The Galeries Tower Highrisers pulled off the four-set upset against the Cignal HD Spikers, 25-17, 25-22, 19-25, 25-19, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino qualifying round.
The Galeries Tower Highrisers kicked off the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference qualifying round with a stunning upset of the Cignal HD Spikers, 25-17, 25-22, 19-25, 25-19, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Thursday, February 27.
This marks the Highrisers' first playoff berth since joining the league in 2023. This is also the no. 10 seed's first win against the third-seeded HD Spikers.
Despite faltering in the third set, Galeries Tower showed their composure after building a five-point lead in the fourth at 15-9 which was capped off by Ysa Jimenez’s kill block on Vanie Gandler.
The HD Spikers tried to mount a comeback but the Highrisers simply had a response for every rally thrown at them.
From there, Roselle Baliton, Andrea Marzan, and France Ronquillo put on the finishing touches to seal the huge victory.
Ysa Jimenez led the charge with 23 points on 22 attacks and one block.
To make matters worse for the HD Spikers, opposite hitter Jovelyn Fernandez went down after colliding with Ishie Lalongsip during the start of the third frame.
Fernandez had to be stretchered off the court with a neck brace.
Galeries Tower will head to the quarterfinals where they will face the winner of the Farm Fresh-Akari series.
Cignal, on the other hand, will drop to the play-in tournament for a shot to keep their postseason hopes alive.