PVL: Galeries Tower suppresses Akari charge for breakthrough Siklab win

Highrisers mark their first win of the season on November 3, 2026. PVL ImagesMANILA — Galeries Tower earned its first win of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Siklab series through the hard way, suppressing a gritty charge from Akari in a five-set marathon, 25-22, 26-24, 23-25, 15-25, 15-10, on Tuesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Up two frames to none, the Highrisers saw their set lead gone as the Chargers forced a decider off a lopsided Set 4 win.

The Chargers uncorked a five-point run to snatch the lead at 8-7 in the fifth period, but thankfully for coach Aying Esteban, his wards responded.

“[Sinabi ko lang na] motivation pa rin na nakuha namin two sets, na walang aayaw, na ilaban lang namin hanggang dulo. So nag-react naman sila dun sa bandang dulo,” he said.

Erika Deloria stopped the bleeding for an 8-all count, but Alyssa Bertolano gave up a point that put again Akari on top, 9-8. That’s when Lycha Ebon and Jean Asis stepped up, as the two unleashed five straight points on various attacks to put Galeries at 13-9.

A Fifi Sharma quick attack proved to be Akari’s final point, 13-10, as Bertolano’s hits finally gave Galeries its first win of the season—a confidence-boosting one after losing four straight to kick off the series.

“Kung mas maaga sana namin nakuha, mas maganda sana ‘yung resulta. Pero same pa rin, win is a win,” said Esteban.

Deloria finished with a triple-double of 20 points (18 attacks, two aces), 11 excellent digs and 28 excellent receptions to earn Player of the Game honors.

Former number two overall pick Jean Asis put up 14 points on 12 attacks and two blocks, while endgame hero Bertolano tallied 12 points and 14 digs. Steering the wheel was recent top overall pick Lams Lamina, who registered 21 excellent sets.

Meanwhile, despite not giving up, the Chargers ultimately fell short, with Eli Soyud pacing the squad with 24 points on 20 attacks, two blocks, and two aces.

Ivy Lacsina and Sharma added 13 and 12 markers for Akari, respectively.