Highrisers, Chameleons Battle for Quarterfinal Spots

Games Today (Thursday)

4 p.m. – Galeries Tower vs. Cignal
6:30 p.m. – Creamline vs. Nxled

Facing formidable odds, Galeries Tower and Nxled brace for a tough challenge as they take on heavily favored opponents in their quest for quarterfinal spots in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference qualifying round today at Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Despite the overwhelming firepower of their rivals, the Highrisers and the Chameleons remain undaunted. Both teams acknowledge the gap in experience, depth, and consistency compared to their powerhouse counterparts, yet they refuse to back down, determined to capitalize on any opportunity to turn the tide.

Galeries Tower faces a daunting task against Cignal in the 4 p.m. match, but head coach Lerma Giron remains confident her team can rise to the occasion. The Highrisers, who finished No. 10 in the preliminary round, used their recent break to regroup, sharpen their skills, and refine their approach.

For the Highrisers to pull off an upset, they must maximize individual performances while executing a well-structured defensive strategy. Ysa Jimenez, Jewel Encarnacion, and France Ronquillo need to step up offensively, while middle blockers Roselle Baliton and Andrea Marzan must hold firm at the net to disrupt Cignal’s attack.

Contributions from Grazie Bombita, RJ Doromal, Jho Maraguinot, and rookie setter/spiker Julia Coronel will also be crucial in maintaining consistency.

Cignal, meanwhile, has regained its form after an early-season slump, emerging as the No. 3 seed despite roster setbacks. Led by Vanie Gandler, with key support from Jacqueline Acuña, Judith Abil, Roselyn Doria-Aquino, Jovelyn Fernandez, and promising rookie Ishie Lalongisip, the HD Spikers are expected to bring relentless intensity.

Head coach Shaq Delos Santos aims to sustain their high level of play while ensuring his team stays fresh for the grueling battles ahead.

“If we keep the same mindset—the intensity of our game, how we move, and how we handle the situation—then we’ll be ready,” Delos Santos said. “Proper recovery and rest are also key.”

If Giron can draw peak performances from her players, particularly in blocking and counterattacking, the Highrisers may have a fighting chance at pushing Cignal to the limit and possibly pulling off an upset.

In the 6:30 p.m. game, Nxled faces an even tougher challenge against top-seeded and star-studded Creamline.

Despite finishing last in the preliminary round, the Chameleons remain undeterred, knowing that in sports, determination and discipline can sometimes bridge the gap between underdogs and elite teams.

Coach Ettore Guidetti’s squad features a mix of promising talents, including Lycha Ebon, EJ Laure, Krich Macaslang, May Luna, Chiara Permentilla, Jaycel Delos Reyes, Jaila Atienza, and Lucille Almonte.

While Creamline boasts a deep and cohesive lineup that has dominated throughout the tournament, Nxled believes it can challenge the favorites by making tactical adjustments, improving blocking, and strengthening its defense.

Nxled will need to exploit any vulnerabilities in Creamline’s game, particularly in transition plays and extended rallies.

The Cool Smashers, led by head coach Sherwin Meneses, will rely on their experience and depth, with stars such as Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, and Kyle Negrito expected to dictate the tempo.

Valdez emphasized the importance of refining their system, particularly in counterattacks and handling free balls, noting that even the smallest details can determine the outcome in tight situations.

“We’ll take it one game at a time,” Valdez said. “One of the skills we’ve improved on is our system and blocking, but we still need to perfect counterattacks and basics. Free balls and weak balls—those minor details will matter, especially in close matches.”

While Creamline is the overwhelming favorite, Nxled can draw confidence from the fact that the Cool Smashers’ winning streak was recently snapped by PLDT, proving that even the best teams are not invincible.

With their backs against the wall, both Galeries Tower and Nxled embrace the underdog role. While talent and experience may favor their opponents, resilience, strategy, and heart could pave the way for unexpected breakthroughs.

In volleyball, momentum shifts, mental toughness, and key plays in crucial moments can turn the tide. The Highrisers and Chameleons are determined to seize any opportunity to shake up the PVL landscape.

Games are aired live on Pilipinas Live, RPTV, One Sports, One Sports+, and pvl.ph.