Galeries Tower soared past a Strong Group side that offered nothing but athleticism, cruising to a commanding 25-17, 25-14, 25-12 victory in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Ynares Center in Antipolo yesterday (Saturday).
Grace Bombita emerged as the beacon of leadership and firepower from the second set onward, finishing with 16 points as the Highrisers maintained their dominance over the clearly-outclassed Athletics to annex the win, their second against four losses.
Bombita attributed their decisive 76-minute victory to their relentless efforts in training, acknowledging each teammate’s courageous contributions to stepping up in crucial moments.
“It’s a collective team effort, yung mga weaknesses namin ay pinupunan ng iba (each of us fills in where the others may have weaknesses),” said Bombita, who also provided inspiration and experience to her young teammates.
“Pinagkukuhanan namin ng lakas ng loob ang bawat isa (We drew strength from one another),” she added.
Following their come-from-behind triumph over Capital1 last weekend, Galeries Tower notched its second win in dominant fashion. The Highrisers’ two victories halfway through the single round prelims already doubled their tally in their maiden campaign in the Second AFC last year.
“Una, thank you Lord. Pangalawa, yung mga nauna kasing games namin medyo challenging. Then sa amin na mga coaches, talagang pini-figure out namin kung ano pa yung mga kulang. So far, so good naman. Nagrerespond ng maayos yung mga players dun sa adjustments na ginagawa namin (First, thank you, Lord. Second, our earlier games were quite challenging. As coaches we really tried to figure out what was lacking. So far, so good. The players are responding well to the adjustments we are making),” said Galeries Tower coach Lerma Giron.
The team will take a long break before squaring off against top contender Choco Mucho on April 2.
“We need to intensify our preparations for the Choco Mucho match. Kailangan na tyagain at pagtrabahuhan (It’s imperative that we put in the hard work and dedication),” added Bombita.
Strong Group fell to 0-6.
Audrey Paran also shone for Galeries Tower with 12 points while Anne Esguerra, Ysa Jimenez, RJ Doromal and Elize Ronquillo scored five points apiece for the Highrisers, who also made seven aces compared to the Athletics’ lone ace.
Paran also displayed her defensive skills with 8 excellent digs, complementing Alyssa Eroa’s 18, while Bombita added three excellent receptions.
Despite Strong Group’s commendable 7-block effort against Galeries Tower’s one, the Athletics struggled to generate offense with Sheeka Espinosa leading the team with seven points.
Dolly Verzosa contributed six points while Joy Onofre came up with four blocks and two hits but only four other players managed to score, combining for eight points.
