By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Galeries Tower Highrisers pulled off a statement victory after stunning powerhouse Nxled Chameleons, 25-19, 17-25, 25-20, 25-21, in the PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan City on Thursday night, February 19.

Negrense Erika Jin Deloria also finished with 16 markers and seven excellent receptions, while Roselle Baliton added 16 points built on seven blocks, seven attacks and two service aces for the Highrisers.

The Highrisers came out strong in the opening set, using disciplined defense and timely attacks to take control, but the Chameleons responded in the second set to level the match.

Galeries Tower regained its composure behind Baliton’s net defense and consistent scoring from Deloria to secure the third and fourth sets and improve their standings to 2-2.

Brooke Van Sickle top-scored with 21 points, while Chiara Permentilla added 16 markers for the Chameleons, which dropped to a 3-1 record after previously establishing themselves as one of the early leaders in the standings.

Meanwhile, the PLDT High Speed Hitters continued its strong start after prevailing over the Akari Power Chargers, 25-22, 25-27, 25-21, 25-14.

Libero Kath Arado anchored PLDT’s defensive stand and was named Player of the Game after finishing with a double-double performance of 26 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.

Her consistency at the backline helped stabilize the High Speed Hitters, especially in the tight third set where momentum hung in the balance en route to a perfect 3-0 mark.

“Tulong tulong lang talaga kami sa panalo na ito. Kailangan din siguro naming bumalik dun sa mindset namin na walang magiging madaling laban dito,” Arado said after the match./ASC, WDJ