Ysabel Jamie Jimenez was named Press Corps Player of the Week for Feb. 27 to March 1 after spearheading Galeries Tower’s stunning 25-17, 25-22, 19-25, 25-19 victory over No. 3 Cignal in the PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals.
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) product, who had been averaging just 10 points in 11 games during the preliminary round, delivered a game-high 23 points, converting 22-of-55 attacks, to help the 10th-seeded Highrisers clinch their first-ever playoff berth since joining the league in 2023.
The win also marked Galeries Tower’s first triumph over the HD Spikers in franchise history.
“It was all worth it. Our coach reminded us how much we’ve been through, and we even questioned at times if all our hard work was paying off,” Jimenez shared in a statement.
“Coach told us to play without pressure because we had nothing to lose. We trusted our preparation, and that gave us confidence.”
Jimenez edges out top contenders
Jimenez outshined fellow standouts, including teammate Alyssa Eroa (top libero), Petro Gazz’s Brooke Van Sickle, Creamline’s Bea De Leon, and Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina, to claim the weekly honor given by PVL print and online reporters.
“We always hold on to the belief that everything happens for a reason. And this time, it was meant for us,” said Jimenez.
Seize quarterfinal opportunity
With the historic victory, Galeries Tower head coach Lerma Giron urged her players to embrace the quarterfinal challenge, where they will face the winner of the Farm Fresh vs. Akari qualifying match in a best-of-three series.
“We have to stand our ground. We fought hard to reach this stage, and we understand what it takes to move forward,” said Giron. “At this level, inconsistency is not an option. I trust my players and coaching staff, and this is exactly where we want to be. By God’s grace, we will stand firm.”
As Galeries Tower sets its sights on a deeper playoff run, Jimenez and the Highrisers look to carry their momentum and continue their Cinderella story in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.