MANILA — Banking on veteran leadership to steady a young core, Galeries Tower Highrisers have secured the services of Ilongga opposite hitter Aiza Maizo-Pontillas ahead of the 2025–26 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference later this month.
Maizo-Pontillas, a native of Passi City, Iloilo, arrives as one of the most experienced additions to a Highrisers squad undergoing a major rebuild, bringing with her championship pedigree after a productive three-year stint with Petro Gazz Angels.
The former University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses standout was part of Petro Gazz’s title-winning runs before the Angels announced their decision to step away from league competition, triggering a wave of player movement across the league.
Galeries Tower expects Maizo-Pontillas’ composure and scoring reliability to complement its youthful lineup, which includes No. 2 overall draft pick Jean Asis and Alas Pilipinas mainstay Julia Coronel.
The Highrisers have aggressively overhauled their roster in the lead-up to the conference, releasing much of their previous lineup and adding multiple reinforcements. Joining Maizo-Pontillas are Lycha Ebon, Dolly Versoza, Camille Victoria, Negrense Erika Deloria, Sharya Ancheta, Jules Samonte, and Shola Alvarez.
Also coming aboard are Erika Raagas, BabyLove Barbon, and Julia Angeles as Galeries Tower continues to deepen its bench and address depth concerns.
Guiding the revamped squad is new head coach Clarence Esteban, supported by champion PVL tactician Rommel Abella as lead assistant, as the Highrisers aim to turn their rebuilding phase into a competitive showing in the upcoming All-Filipino Conference./PN
