Led by star libero Alyssa Eroa and prized setter Julia Coronel, the Galeries Tower Highrisers are ready to climb up in the standings in the upcoming 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
2024 Reinforced Conference record: 0-8 (11th place)
Key additions: Julia Coronel
Key players: Alyssa Eroa, Jewel Encarnacion, Grazielle Bombita
Coach: Lerma Giron
One word to describe Galeries Tower's upcoming campaign
Defense.
If there’s anything to take away from the Highrisers’ winless campaign during the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference, it’s that the team can go toe-to-toe with any team when it comes to defense.
Proof of that is star defensive specialist Alyssa Eroa taking home the Best Libero award during the conference.
[ALSO READ: Rising above: Alyssa Eroa finally soars as the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference Best Libero]
While defense will be the Highrisers’ bread and butter, the team is looking for a much bigger impact on their attacks.
“Gusto ko lang talaga makita ‘yung pag may nakakuha ng malakas na palo samin tapos pag sinet dun sa spiker namin, talagang maco-convert into point ‘yung depensa na ginawa namin,” said Eroa.
That’s why for the upcoming All-Filipino Conference, coach Lerma Giron said that they’ve been focusing on improving the team’s offense.
“‘Yun ‘yung isang malaking natutunan namin na inadjust namin this conference. Talagang most of our time ininvest namin sa offense, sa setter and spiker connection,” said Giron.
Biggest X-Factor for Galeries Tower this season
Julia Coronel.
The former De La Salle Lady Spiker will be immediately given the keys to the Highrisers’ offense as she officially makes her PVL debut.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Julia Coronel eager and ready to make debut for Galeries Tower Highrisers]
Coronel is expected to be a key piece for Galeries Tower as they build towards the future, especially following her time with Alas Pilipinas.
“Playing for the national team has given me a lot of added knowledge na parang marami ako naging ‘aha’ moments na ngayon ko palang naaaral at nagagamit din sa laro at na-aapply,” said Coronel.
“Coming into my club team magagamit ko ‘yun, ‘yung knowledge ko na ‘yun, especially sa mga advice and experience ko from that.
Best-case scenario
Galeries Tower show off their improvements and inch closer to a playoff spot by the end of the conference.
Coronel makes a case for the Best Setter award, while Eroa continues to lead the team on the defensive side.
Finishing just outside a semifinal spot will be a vast improvement for the Highrisers after finishing in the bottom of the standings since their arrival in the PVL.
Worst-case scenario
Offensive prowess continues to be a problem for Galeries Tower as they have yet to find their necessary go-to scorer.
The Highrisers could finish once more at the bottom of the standings with other teams showing signs of improvement in the new season.
Bold prediction
Galeries Tower will grab at least five wins by the end of the 2024-2025 All-Filipino Conference.