Harder, better, faster, stronger.
The Galeries Tower Highrisers had found a silver lining in their debut conference, when they picked up first set win, and eventually their first match victory.
They picked up a few veterans and a few young ones during the off-season too.
And with some valuable knowledge gained from Japan, the Highrisers just might have what it takes to rise above 11th place.
Coach: Lerma Giron
Departures: Cherilyn Sindayen, Renesa Melgar, Julia Angeles
Acquisitions: Shola Alvarez, Alyssa Eroa, France Ronquillo, Renee Mabilangan
AFC lineup
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Outside hitters: Carly Hernandez, Graze Bombita, Audrey Paran, Rapril Aguilar, Shola Alvarez, France Ronquillo, Ysa Jimenez
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Opposite spikers: Dimdim Pacres, Roma Joy Doromal
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Middle blockers: Mary Anne Esguerra, Christine Francisco, Andrea Marzan, Norielle Ipac
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Setters: Fhen Emnas, Acy Masangkay, Renee Mabilangan
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Liberos: Juliet Catindig, Alyssa Eroa
Previous AFC record: 11th place (1-10)
There is potential with Galeries Tower, having Doromal and Marzan as the top scorers of the team during the previous conference. Aguilar was also the fifth best receiver during the preliminaries with a 37.30% efficiency.
She's the captain now
Dimdim Pacres' return to the PVL was a heartwarming story, overcoming mental struggles and disappointments as Galeries Tower gave her a chance for a comeback.
[ALSO READ: One more chance: Dimdim Pacres almost gave up volleyball, but Galeries granted her PVL return]
Now, she's feeling much, much better.
"Sobrang back to normal na siya, kung paano 'yung dati. Natutunan sa mga napagdaanan, siguro nagigin strong 'yung mentality ko," she told One Sports after practice.
After one conference as co-captain, coach Lerma Giron gave Pacres sole captaincy.
"First time ko 'to, kinabahan ako. Sobrang bigat kasi ng responsibility na 'yan. Grabe 'yung challenges as a team leader," Pacres said.
But she's ready to take it on. There's nothing that will change really. She will always be the jolly Dimdim for everyone.
"Ako kasi, ayokong may nale-left out. 'Pag may introvert, sumama ka, sama ka lang. Sama tayo kasi team nga," she added.
The team has gotten significantly longer training time compared to the previous conference, and Pacres hopes to show the fruits of that.
"Siyempre, umangat kami!" Pacres answered regarding what they wanted to improve on. "Ipakita kung ano talaga 'yung laro namin. Abangan niyo na lang!"
Coach's corner
The first time Galeries Tower won a match, it felt like vindication for the Highrisers who found a chance to get back to the pros after the pandemic.
"Feeling ko nag-champion na eh!" Giron told One Sports.
"Even though bagong team, nakita natin na lumalaban. Kinukulang lang pagdating sa dulo. 'Yung competitiveness, andun. Kailangan lang isustain at tapusin," she added.
A training camp in Japan provided Giron insight and made her rethink a few things, "'Yung kultura sa paglalaro, competitiveness ba? Mas na-broaden ako, ganito pala dapat. 'Yung mga Japanese coaches, the way they approach the game, naka-absorb din ako."
And she's going to use that knowledge to help improve their attacking prowess.
"Siyempre titibayan pa 'yung defense. But kailangan namin mag-doble effort sa offense."
What they said
To boost their ranks, the Highrisers signed up outside hitter Shola Alvarez, opposite spiker France Ronquillo, setter Renee Mabilangan, and libero Alyssa Eroa for the 2024 season.
They all apparently really liked the happy vibes during training.
"'Pag training, training po talaga. Kailangan focused kami. Outside the court, para kaming close na family," Mabilangan, who came from the National University Lady Bulldogs, noted.
And they all relish the opportunity for more playing time.
"Actually, pagpasok ko dito, na-feel ko 'yung vibes na nasa college ulit ako. 'Yun yung gusto kong mangyari," said Alvarez, who was a service specialist for the now-disbanded F2 Logistics Cargo Movers. "Gusto kong ipakita 'yung dating Shola na meron."
"Gusto ko ng playing time para mapakita 'yung best ko. 'Yung paano makakatulong sa team, na kaya ko rin makatulong sa team," added Ronquillo, a former Chery Tiggo Crossover.
"Ang nakikita ko, lahat sila dumedepensa," observed Eroa, the Best Libero of the Maharlika Lady Shoemasters in the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association. "Halos lahat, kumikilos. Parang 'di mababagsakan ng bola eh."
[ALSO READ: 'Parang 'di mababagsakan ng bola' | Galeries Tower recruits find joy with Highrisers for 2024 PVL season]
First bout
The Galeries Tower Highrisers will first see action on February 22, Thursday, at the Filoil EcoOil Arena, when they take on the PLDT High Speed Hitters at 3 p.m.
It will be aired on One Sports, One Sports+, and the Pilipinas Live app.