Jewel Encarnacion remains upbeat of the Galeries Tower Highrisers' PVL quarterfinal chances even after falling short in Game 1 against the Akari Chargers.
Despite Galeries Tower’s heartbreaking five-set loss to Akari, Jewel Encarnacion remained optimistic as her team looked ahead to Game 2 of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals.
Encarnacion delivered an impressive triple-double performance on her 18 points, 10 excellent digs and 18 excellent receptions.
But these were not enough as the Highrisers eventually crumbled against the Chargers, 25-21, 19-25, 25-20, 16-25, 11-15, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig Saturday, March 15.
[RELATED STORY: PVL: Akari escapes Galeries Tower, takes Game 1 of All-Filipino quarterfinals]
The former UP standout admitted that the close loss stung, but her veteran teammates quickly reminded the entire team to keep their morale high.
“After ng game, may regrets kami nang kaunti kasi we could have done better. Pero ni-remind naman ng Ates na hindi totally pangit 'yong laro since umabot kami ng five sets,” Encarnacion told reporters after the match.
Jewel Encarnacion holds her head high despite the Galeries Tower Highrisers' Game 1 setback against the Akari Chargers in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
With another do-or-die match ahead, the Lerma Giron-led squad aims to channel its emotions into motivation.
“Pinigilan lang nila kami kaagad na mag-succumb sa disappointment at mga negative emotions. Nag-go kaagad kaming bumawi at mag-focus sa next game,” said Encarnacion.
“Tuloy lang ang laban kasi first game pa lang naman. Another game, and siyempre, 'yong goal namin is makaabot pa sa isa pang game.”
From struggling throughout the preliminaries, the Highrisers are now fighting for a semifinal seat after ousting Cignal in the qualifying round.
For Encarnacion, Galeries Tower’s progress this conference is a testament to the team’s resilience and determination.
“Nakita namin noong Reinforced [Conference] na ang dami nga naming five-setter matches, so kaya talaga. Nagkukulang lang talaga kami ng panapos. This conference, pumasok kami with a goal na aangat talaga kami,” said Encarnacion.
“Happy ako kasi nagawan namin ng solusyon and, slowly, umaangat na kami. Ibang klaseng labanan ‘to kasi talagang ibinibigay ng players — kami at ng kalaban — ang best namin para makaabot sa semifinals,” she added.
As they prepare for the next match in the best-of-three series, Encarnacion and the rest of the Highrisers remain confident that Galeries Tower can push for a decider.
“Pagtatrabahuan pa rin namin hangga’t kaya kasi kita naman naming match naman 'yong laro. Kayang-kaya namin silang talunin. Kailangan lang naming i-work on 'yong lapses namin at i-maximize 'yong strengths namin,” said Encarnacion.
Game 2 between Galeries Tower and Akari is set on Thursday, March 20, at the same venue.