Galeries Tower’s Ysa Jimenez against Creamline’s Jeanette Panaga (No. 6) and Tots Carlos during the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Feb. 20, 2025. The Cool Smashers prevailed, 25-15, 26-24, 25-19. (PVL photo)
Galeries Tower and Nxled are gearing up for tough battles against powerhouse teams as they aim for quarterfinal berths in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference qualifying round on Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Galeries Tower, which finished the preliminary round at No. 10, will take on third-seeded Cignal at 4 p.m., while Nxled faces a daunting challenge against top-ranked Creamline at 6:30 p.m.
The Highrisers will look to the firepower of Ysa Jimenez, Jewel Encarnacion, and France Ronquillo, supported by middle blockers Roselle Baliton and Andrea Marzan. Veterans Grazie Bombita, RJ Doromal, Jho Maraguinot, and rookie setter-spiker Julia Coronel will also play crucial roles in their quest for an upset.
On the other hand, Cignal will rely on Vanie Gandler’s leadership, with solid contributions expected from Jacqueline Acuña, Judith Abil, Roselyn Doria-Aquino, Jovelyn Fernandez, and promising rookie Ishie Lalongisip.
Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos emphasized the importance of maintaining their intensity as they prepare for the next round.
“Same mindset – the intensity of our game, how we move, how we handle the situation now that we’re in the second round. This is how the competition will be, so it will remain the same. And then, proper recovery and rest,” Delos Santos said.
Meanwhile, Nxled must bring its A-game against the heavily favored Creamline Cool Smashers. Lycha Ebon, EJ Laure, Krich Macaslang, May Luna, Chiara Permentilla, Jaycel delos Reyes, Jaila Atienza, and Lucille Almonte will be tasked with stepping up to counter Creamline’s star-studded roster.
The Cool Smashers, led by Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, and Kyle Negrito, are determined to sharpen their game further.
“We’ll take it one game at a time,” Valdez said. “I think one of the biggest improvements in our team is our system and blocking.”
She also highlighted the importance of refining their counterattacks and focusing on fundamental skills.
“There are still systems we must perfect—like handling free and weak balls. Perfecting those details will make a difference, especially in tight matches. So, we’ll work on counterattacks and basic plays,” she added.
With high stakes and intense matchups on the horizon, both Galeries Tower and Nxled are hoping to defy the odds and punch their tickets to the tournament’s next stage.
