Galeries Tower delivered a surprising straight-set triumph over Farm Fresh, clinching a 25-18, 25-23, 25-16 victory in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City Saturday.
The one-hour, 34-minute win provided a big morale boost for the Highrisers, who had been struggling with back-to-back shutout losses prior to the match.
France Ronquillo, who emerged as the game’s best player with a 20-hit performance, expressed her overwhelming emotions after the game.
“Sobrang hindi ko maintindihan ang feeling, kasi siempre, sa mga sunod-sunod naming pagkatalo, parang bumababa ang confidence namin,” said Ronquillo, who also contributed five excellent digs and the same number of receptions. “Pero ginusto talaga naming manalo kaya sobrang saya sa feeling.”
The match might not have influenced the semifinal race as both teams were already out of contention. But for Galeries Tower, it was a moment to savor, lifting the team to a 3-7 record and tripling its total from its debut season last year.
But it wasn’t only Ronquillo who shone but also the combined efforts of Audrey Paran, Norielle Ipac and RJ Doromal, who all contributed significantly to the attack.
Renee Mabilangan likewise helped anchor the team’s romp as the National U product came through with 20 excellent sets, out-maneuvering the Foxies’ defense with her brilliant playmaking that had her distributing the ball effectively across the court.
Galeries Tower also not only matched but also surpassed Farm Fresh’s energy and chemistry, tallying 45 attack points to the Foxies’ 32 and producing five aces without a response from their opponents.
Doromal added 10 markers, Ipac and Paran scored eight points apiece, and Andrea Marzan also played a supportive role with six points.
Galeries Tower will next face Petro Gazz on April 20 for its final game in the season-opening conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.
Ronquillo also reflected on the team’s growth and aspirations, saying: “Medyo magulo pa sa umpisa kung paano kami maglaro. Pero itong panalo na to ay nagpapakita na nagkakaroon na ng chermisty ang team at sana mas maipakita pa namin ang laro namin sa susunod,” said Ronquillo.
Farm Fresh, which shocked Chery Tiggo in 3 last March 9 and dragged Nxled to a five-set battle before yielding last Tuesday, dropped to 2-8.
Chinnie Arroyo and Trisha Tubu scored eight points apiece although the latter was notably absent in the third set. Rizza Cruz finished with five markers and Caitlin Viray added four points for the Foxies, who will take on the Strong Group Athletics on April 18.