Highrisers Start PVL On Tour with Four-Set Victory

Galeries Tower opened its 2026 PVL On Tour campaign with an impressive four-set victory over Farm Fresh, winning 25-17, 24-26, 25-19, 26-24 at the Batangas City Sports Center. The result provided an encouraging early measure of the Highrisers’ offseason progress while rewarding the club with the tournament’s ₱100,000 winning incentive.

Beyond the final score, the performance reflected noticeable improvements in offensive balance, defensive organization, and late-set composure. Those areas had limited Galeries Tower against stronger opponents in previous conferences but emerged as key strengths during its opening preseason victory.

Galeries Tower Established Control Through Systematic Volleyball

Tiebreaker Times’ Jonash Dannug reported that Galeries Tower dictated much of the match through disciplined serving, organized blocking, and efficient transition offense. Although Farm Fresh answered by capturing the second set, the Highrisers consistently regained momentum by trusting their system instead of forcing low-percentage attacks.

Successful volleyball teams rarely depend on isolated scoring bursts because sustained pressure usually comes from stable first-ball contact and disciplined execution. Galeries Tower’s ability to convert quality receptions into balanced offensive opportunities allowed multiple attackers to remain involved throughout the match.

The Highrisers Controlled the Match Through Balanced Execution

Several tactical strengths shaped the victory.

• Consistent serve-receive created cleaner offensive possessions.
• Disciplined blocking slowed Farm Fresh’s primary attackers.
• Quick transition offense punished defensive breakdowns.
• Balanced scoring prevented predictable attacking patterns.
• Improved communication helped stabilize momentum after the second-set loss.

Those improvements demonstrated a team becoming increasingly comfortable within its offensive system while maintaining composure during momentum swings.

Erika Deloria Continued Emerging as the Offensive Leader

Erika Deloria once again demonstrated why she has become one of Galeries Tower’s primary scoring options entering the upcoming PVL season. Her production extended beyond attack points because she contributed significantly in reception, floor defense, and service pressure throughout the four-set contest.

Complete outside hitters provide greater value because they remain involved during every phase of the match instead of contributing only as scorers. Deloria’s balanced performance allowed the Highrisers to maintain offensive rhythm while strengthening defensive stability whenever Farm Fresh attempted extended scoring runs.

Image from: Fastbreak

Deloria Produced One of Her Most Complete Matches

She finished with impressive all-around numbers.

• 24 points.
• 22 attack points.
• Two service aces.
• 13 excellent receptions.
• 10 excellent digs.

Support came throughout the roster as Aiza Pontillas scored 13 points, Jean Asis and Roselle Baliton added nine each, while captain Julia Coronel orchestrated the offense with 21 excellent sets and Baby Love Barbon anchored the backcourt through consistent reception and floor defense.

Young Talent Continued to Strengthen the Highrisers’ Rotation

Galeries Tower’s offseason investment in youth remained evident as top overall 2026 PVL Draft selection Lams Lamina officially began her professional career. Although she played a supporting role off the bench, the rookie setter gained valuable experience while gradually adapting to the pace and tactical demands of the professional game.

Developing young setters often requires patience because they must master offensive tempo, hitter preferences, and decision-making under pressure before consistently directing a professional offense. Allowing Lamina to learn alongside experienced teammates gives Galeries Tower an opportunity to strengthen its long-term roster without disrupting its current system.

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Lamina Began Her Professional Journey

The rookie made positive contributions despite limited playing time.

• Recorded seven excellent sets.
• Managed the offense during selected rotations.
• Continued building chemistry with veteran attackers.
• Gained valuable experience in her professional debut.
• Took another step in her long-term development.

Her gradual integration reflects the coaching staff’s commitment to balancing immediate competitiveness with sustainable player development.

Farm Fresh Tested Galeries Tower Until the Final Rally

Farm Fresh refused to allow the Highrisers an easy victory despite trailing for much of the match. The Foxies erased a late 22-24 deficit in the fourth set before forcing a tense 24-all deadlock that briefly threatened to extend the contest into a deciding fifth frame.

Pressure situations often reveal a team’s maturity because every point demands disciplined decision-making and emotional control. Instead of abandoning its offensive structure, Galeries Tower trusted its established patterns and executed efficiently when the match reached its most critical moments.

Late Execution Secured the Opening Victory

The Highrisers responded confidently during the closing rallies.

• Lycha Ebon delivered a clutch attack to regain match point.
• Roselle Baliton finished the match with a decisive quick attack.
• Defensive discipline limited Farm Fresh’s transition scoring.
• Organized blocking disrupted several key attacking options.
• Calm decision-making prevented the momentum from completely shifting.

Head coach Clarence Esteban praised both his team’s preparation and resilience after surviving Farm Fresh’s determined late comeback.

Defensive Discipline Became the Winning Difference

While Deloria’s scoring drew attention, Galeries Tower’s defensive organization ultimately separated the two teams throughout the match. Consistent blocking assignments, disciplined floor coverage, and efficient transition defense repeatedly forced Farm Fresh into difficult attacking situations.

The Highrisers also executed a clear defensive game plan against several of the Foxies’ primary scorers. Royse Tubino finished with 12 points and Ara Galang added 11, but Galeries Tower successfully contained Trisha Tubu to six points and limited veteran scorer Ces Molina to only five markers, disrupting Farm Fresh’s offensive rhythm from start to finish.

Strong Defensive Execution Limited Farm Fresh’s Attack

Several defensive strengths proved decisive.

• Disciplined blocking slowed primary attackers.
• Strong floor defense created transition opportunities.
• Effective serve pressure disrupted offensive rhythm.
• Balanced court coverage reduced easy scoring chances.
• Organized communication improved late-set execution.

If Galeries Tower continues combining balanced scoring with this level of defensive discipline, the Highrisers could emerge as one of the PVL’s most improved teams when the regular season begins.

Analytical Breakdown: Galeries Tower Building Sustainable Success

Early-season victories become significantly more meaningful when they reflect structural improvements instead of isolated individual performances. From my experience as a former varsity volleyball player, Galeries Tower consistently generated quality first-ball contact, allowing its setters to distribute the offense effectively while preventing Farm Fresh from establishing predictable blocking matchups. That offensive balance made the Highrisers considerably more difficult to defend throughout all four sets.

I also believe the team’s defensive discipline provided the clearest indication of long-term progress entering the upcoming PVL season. Consistent blocking assignments, organized floor coverage, and efficient transition play limited Farm Fresh’s scoring opportunities while creating momentum-changing rallies during critical stretches of the match. Maintaining those habits could help Galeries Tower compete more consistently against the league’s established contenders throughout the conference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won between Galeries Tower and Farm Fresh?

Galeries Tower defeated Farm Fresh in four sets, 25-17, 24-26, 25-19, 26-24, during the 2026 PVL On Tour.

Who led Galeries Tower in scoring?

Erika Deloria finished with 24 points while also contributing 13 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs.

How did Lams Lamina perform in her professional debut?

The top overall 2026 PVL Draft selection recorded seven excellent sets while making her first official PVL appearance.

Who were Farm Fresh’s leading scorers?

Royse Tubino scored 12 points, while Ara Galang added 11 during the four-set match.

When will Galeries Tower play its next PVL On Tour match?

The Highrisers return to action against Nxled on August 1 in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

Disclaimer: Headline Image from SPIN.ph.