Highrisers outlast Chargers in five-set thriller for breakthrough PVL victory

MANILA, Philippines — The Galeries Tower Highrisers finally barged into the win column after averting disaster against the Akari Chargers, 25-22, 26-24, 23-25, 15-25, 15-10, in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference-Siklab Series on Tuesday at the Araneta Coliseum. Erika Deloria stuffed the statistical sheet with 20 points, 11 excellent digs, and 28 excellent receptions to fend off the Chargers, who were led by tough guns Fifi Sharma, Ivy Lacsina, and Eli Soyud. “For me, it’s a test of character for us players. Even though we were down and we had miscommunications, we were able to hold on to each other, and our goal is the same,” Deloria told the media during the post-game presser. The Chargers, who came off back-to-back wins despite the absence of head coach Tina Salak, were stunned by the Highrisers, with 2026 first pick Lams Lamina displaying her class after orchestrating 21 excellent sets. This playmaking activated Galeries’ gunners Jean Asis and Alyssa Bertolano to score 14 and 12 points each, respectively. In the deciding frame, both teams were tied at 9-all before Asis made back-to-back hits that gave the Highrisers the advantage, 11-9. Lycha Ebon scored two consecutive points after an off-the-block hit and a push to extend...