PVL: Erika Deloria drops triple-double in Galeries' four-set romp of Farm Fresh

Erika Deloria proved she belongs on the big stage as the rising star erupted for a triple-double to power the Galeries past Farm Fresh, 25-17, 24-26, 25-19, 26-24, in the PVL On Tour at the Batangas City Sports Center.

Deloria, the 20th overall pick in the 2025 PVL Draft, starred on both ends with 24 points, 10 digs, and 13 receptions as the Highrisers opened their preseason campaign with an impressive four-set victory over no less than title contenders Foxies.

Now emerging as one of Galeries' key players, Deloria said she is embracing the bigger role entrusted to her by head coach Aying Esteban.

"Tinake ko lang as a challenge and at the same time as opportunity kasi wala e, iniisip ko 'yung team and lahat ng pwede kong magawa para makatulong," Deloria, a product of Enderun Colleges, said.

"Sobrang nakakataba ng puso kasi as we all know Farm Fresh is one of the contenders din and known as one of the strong teams. Nag-play lang kami lahat with all our heart."

(I just took it as a challenge and at the same time as opportunity. I just thought of the team and what I could bring to it to help... It's heart-warming because as we all know, Farm Fresh is one of the contenders and known as one of the strong teams. We just all played with all our heart.)

But Deloria and Galeries had to fend off a last-gasp comeback attempt by Farm Fresh, which reached the semifinals of the previous All-Filipino Conference.

Galeries broke a 21-all deadlock in Set 4 with a quick kill from Jean Asis and a hammer from the left wing from Deloria, before Lycha Ebon unloaded a smart attack from the right wing to clinch the match point at 24-22.

The veteran-laden Farm Fresh, though, refused to go away, with seasoned outside hitter Ces Molina firing a cross-court spike before Riri Meneses scored on a quick attack to force a deuce.

But Galeries weathered the storm as top rookie pick Lams Lamina orchestrated the closing run, setting up back-to-back attacks by Ebon and Roselle Baliton to wrap up the four-set romp.

"Binilin ko nga sa mga players ko na dito namin masusubukan 'yung mga skills na pinaghirapan namin, itong bago mag-season," said Esteban.

"Maganda 'yung kinalabasan ng game dahil sa kagustuhan nilang manalo pero syempre hindi basta-basta kalaban ang Farm Fresh."

(I told my players this is where we put to the test the skills that we worked hard for before the season... The game had a good outcome because of their desire to win but of course, Farm Fresh is not an easy opponent.)

—JMB, GMA News