PVL: Galeries Tower ends slump by outlasting Akari in thriller

Galeries Tower finally broke through in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference after an early string of heartbreaks, pulling off a 25-22, 26-24, 23-25, 15-25, 15-10 nail-biter over Akari on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Highrisers, who opened their season with losses to Farm Fresh, Creamline, Nxled, and Choco Mucho, fended off a comeback from the previously-streaking Chargers as they barged into the win column.

Erika Deloria led the five-set escape by dropping a team-high 20 points anchored on 18 attacks and two aces alongside 28 receptions while Jean Asis and Alyssa Bertolano poured in 14 and 12 markers to give head coach Aying Esteban his first win of the season.

Galeries erased a slim 9-8 deficit and turned it into a 11-9 cushion when Asis completed a drop ball from the middle to give the Highrisers a crucial two-point advantage.

Lycha Ebon then converted back-to-back points for a 13-9 lead before Bertolano delivered the last two points from the left wing to close it out and end Akari's surge.

—JMB, GMA News