PVL: Galeries posts first win at expense of Capital1

Galeries High Towers celebrate during their win against Capital Solar Spikers in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.–PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Galeries Tower notched its first win in the PVL All-Filipino Conference after a come-from-behind 17-25, 25-20, 20-25, 25-19, 15-10 victory over Capital1 on Saturday at Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.

Fhen Emnas rallied the Highrisers with 21 excellent sets and seven points for only their second franchise win since Galeries Tower joined the league last conference.

Majority of those sets went to Roma Joy Doromal and Grace Bombita, who combined for 26 points to help Galeries Tower halt a four-game skid.

SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024

“It feels fantastic. First win is always very, very important,” Highrisers assistant coach Godfrey Okumu told reporters. “We cannot say that our opponent is a weak team.”

“They have players with experience, their coach is a legend, coach Roger [Gorayeb]. He had a good plan, they played well, and we’re happy to win this game,” Okumu added.

Capital1 squandered a lead in the middle of the fourth set with the Highrisers mounting a comeback courtesy of a 6-0 run and taking the advantage before Bombita scored through a Capital1 block wall and Doromal nailed her fourth ace for a set lead.

Galeries Tower carried that momentum to a 10-5 fifth set advantage before Des Clemente, who finished with 11 points for Capital1, caught fire in the deciding set to narrow the Solar Spikers’ deficit to four. But Bombita answered back and sealed the elusive win for Galeries.

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“We still say that our team is a team in progress. We’re moving forward. It’s a mix between young players and veteran players so we’re trying to bring in these two together,” Okumu said.

“I believe that with time, we will be there because we see progress. We’re not at a standstill. I expect more good things to come within this conference,” he said.

Mary Esguerra and Audrey Paran chipped in nine points apiece for the Highrisers, who had an advantage on the blocking and receiving categories.

Shyra Umandal had 11 points while Mary Landicho 10 for the Solar Spikers, who absorbed their fourth loss in five games.

“We still have a lot of games to go so as time goes by, we’ll see those progress,” he added.

Galeries aims to improve its standing as it battles fellow newcomer Strong Group next Saturday at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Meanwhile, Capital1 will have to shoot for the stars against powerhouse Creamline, which was dealt with its first loss after 19 consecutive wins earlier, on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.