Highrisers outlast Foxies in four-set opener at PVL On Tour

BATANGAS CITY — Galeries Tower opened its 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour campaign on a winning note after turning back Farm Fresh, 25-17, 24-26, 25-19, 26-24, on Saturday at the Batangas City Sports Center.

The Highrisers raced to a dominant first-set victory before the Foxies answered by edging the second frame to even the match. Galeries Tower regained its composure in the third set and then held its ground in a tightly contested fourth to complete the four-set triumph and pocket the ₱100,000 winner's incentive.

"I told the players this would be the perfect opportunity to test all the skills we've been working on before the season started," said head coach Clarence Esteban.

Farm Fresh mounted one final rally in the fourth set, with veterans Ces Molina, Royse Tubino, and Riri Meneses fueling a 3-1 run that wiped out a 22-24 deficit to knot the score at 24-all, threatening to send the match to a deciding fifth set.

The Highrisers, however, responded when Lycha Ebon delivered a clutch attack to regain match point before Roselle Baliton finished off the contest with a quick hit, capping a hard-fought victory that lasted nearly two hours.

"The players showed great determination because they really wanted this win. We knew Farm Fresh wouldn't make it easy, so I'm grateful they kept fighting until the end," Esteban added.

Erika Deloria spearheaded the Highrisers with a match-high 24 points on 22 attacks and two aces. She also made her presence felt on defense with 13 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs.

Aiza Pontillas added 13 points, while middle blockers Jean Asis and Baliton chipped in nine markers each.

Top overall 2026 PVL Draft pick Lams Lamina made her league debut and recorded seven excellent sets off the bench. Ebon and Jade Gentapa contributed seven points apiece, while team captain Julia Coronel dished out 21 excellent sets and scored four points.

Libero Baby Love Barbon anchored the backline with 17 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs.

With the opening-day victory, Galeries Tower turns its attention to its next assignment against Nxled on Aug. 1 in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

Farm Fresh struggled to establish its offense throughout the match. Royse Tubino paced the Foxies with 12 points, while Ara Galang added 11.

The Highrisers also did an excellent job containing Farm Fresh's top scorers, limiting reigning MVP Trisha Tubu to six points and holding Ces Molina to just five as they disrupted the Foxies' attack all afternoon.

Farm Fresh will try to bounce back when it faces Nxled on Aug. 15 in Lanao del Norte.