MANILA — A wave of roster rebuilding swept through the Premier Volleyball League ahead of the 2025–26 All-Filipino Conference, with Galeries Tower Highrisers and Akari Power Chargers emerging as early movers in reshaping their lineups following the offseason disbandment of several teams.
Galeries Tower formally rolled out a refreshed cast of players as it looks to reset its campaign and climb out of the lower tier of the standings. Bannered by the signing of outside hitter Erika Jin Deloria of Enderun College, the Highrisers signaled a clear intent to inject firepower and experience into their rotation as the conference opens later this month.
Deloria, a former member of the now-defunct Chery Tiggo Crossovers, said the opportunity marked a meaningful return to top-level competition after months of uncertainty.
“Thankful kay Lord at nabigyan pa uli ng chance (na makalaro sa PVL),” Deloria told Panay News. “Nabigyan pa ng chance ulit na maipakita ang talent ko.”
Joining Deloria in the Highrisers’ rebuild are seasoned PVL players Camille Victoria, Lycha Ebon, Dolly Versoza, Julia Angeles, Erika Raagas, and Babylove Barbon, giving the squad added depth across positions. Returning from the previous conference roster are Julia Coronel, Jean Asis, Roselle Baliton, and Winnie Bedaña, providing continuity amid the changes.
Earlier, Galeries Tower also unveiled a revamped coaching staff, naming Clarence Esteban as head coach with Rommel Abella as assistant, as the team seeks a new identity and improved on-court execution.
Meanwhile, Akari Power Chargers likewise reinforced their roster, securing the services of Czarina Carandang, Judith Abil, and Baby Jyne Soreño as they build on a podium finish last conference.
Carandang, another former Chery Tiggo standout, is expected to bolster Akari’s presence at the net, while Abil brings all-around stability after her stint with Cignal. Soreño, the eighth overall pick in the previous draft, adds youthful energy and upside to the Chargers’ mix.
Akari enters the All-Filipino Conference carrying momentum from a bronze medal finish in the Reinforced Conference, achieved despite a season hampered by injuries—setting the stage for a deeper run with a healthier, retooled lineup./PN
