PVL quarterfinals: Galeries Tower eager to extend Cinderella run against Akari

The Galeries Tower Highrisers aim to continue their surprising postseason run as they take on the battle-tested Akari Chargers in the best-of-three quarterfinals of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

After shocking the Cignal HD Spikers in four sets during the qualifying round, the Highrisers are determined to prove that their breakthrough campaign is no fluke.

Led by team captain Alyssa Aroa, along with rising stars Ysa Jimenez and France Ronquillo, Galeries Tower hopes to defy expectations once more in this best-of-three series.

Aroa’s defensive prowess will be crucial, as she ranks second among the league’s Best Diggers with 4.98 excellent digs per set. Her stability at the backline will be key in slowing down Akari’s firepower.

[ALSO READ: Alyssa Eroa gets emotional after Galeries Tower’s stunning PVL qualifying round upset vs. Cignal]

On the other hand, the Chargers bring a wealth of experience and firepower, featuring a loaded roster led by Ivy Lacsina, the returning Grethcel Soltones, and a solid supporting cast in Justine Jazareno, Fifi Sharma, and Faith Nisperos.

Lacsina has been one of the top scorers in the league, ranking fifth with 178 points, while she and Nisperos sit sixth and seventh in spiking efficiency.

[ALSO READ: Ivy Lacsina points out difference between young Akari squad and veteran PVL teams]

With Akari’s depth and playoff experience, the Chargers are looking to take the next step toward another semifinal appearance.

However, the Highrisers have embraced the underdog role all season and are more than ready to shake up the playoff picture once again.

The two teams met during opening day of the extended PVL All-Filipino Conference where the Chargers secured a four-set victory.

Now, Galeries Tower and Akari will go toe-to-toe in a tight quarterfinal showdown.

Game 1 of the quarterfinals is set for Saturday, March 15, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.