MANILA, Philippines – Galeries was not considered a playoff contender at the beginning of the season by many. They were predicted to struggle against the league’s more seasoned teams as a rookie team still figuring things out. The Highrisers, however, had other ideas.

They proved that passion and desire could carry a team farther than anyone could have predicted when they dominated the 2024–25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals with grit and resilience.

The Galeries’ playoff run is over, but the adventure is far from over. Few anticipated Galeries to become a serious playoff contender at the beginning of the season. The Highrisers, a rookie squad still developing its identity, were the underdogs going into the 2024–25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference. Many saw the season as a learning experience rather than a competitive campaign, expecting to struggle against the league’s more seasoned teams. Galeries, on the other hand, exceeded expectations and showed that tenacity and fortitude might lead a group beyond first assumptions.

Galeries made an unusual postseason debut by securing a spot in the quarterfinals with an unwavering fighting spirit. Hard-fought wins, impressive defensive displays, and a steadfast faith in their own ability characterized their path. The Highrisers pushed their limits against some of the league’s most formidable opponents, maintaining poise in crucial situations despite playing more experienced and seasoned squads.

Galeries made up for their inexperience throughout the conference by working as a team and being persistent. In pivotal games, players stepped up, displaying an amazing capacity for adaptation and high-level competition. The coaching staff was essential in creating plans that addressed the team’s shortcomings and optimized its strengths. As a result, the campaign galvanized supporters who appreciated their never-say-die mentality and garnered respect from rivals.

Their playoff run ended in the quarterfinals, but the knowledge they acquired over the season will help them succeed in the future. In the upcoming conferences, the club will want to expand on its demonstrated capacity to compete. Galeries is positioned to become into a more powerful force in the PVL with more roster changes, system advancements, and sustained expansion.

The road is far from done, even though the playoff dream may have ended for the time being. Galeries has started down the path to becoming a regular contender, and the knowledge gained from this season will only make it more determined to succeed in the future.

It was not an easy road. Galeries was a long shot to make the playoffs, starting the qualification round as the tenth seed. However, they shocked everyone by defeating third-seeded Cignal in five sets, earning a historic first-ever trip to the quarterfinals.

Many still thought their run would end soon. However, the Highrisers were still capable of fighting.

Galeries showed they weren’t merely content to be there when they faced seventh-seeded Akari. They forced the Chargers into survival mode in Game 1 after taking a 2-1 set advantage. Akari’s expertise, however, came through when it counted most, rallying for a 25-21, 19-25, 25-20, 16-25, and 11-15 escape.

The second game was exactly like the first. Galeries took a two-set lead, but Akari rallied and won the match, ending the Highrisers’ campaign in tragic fashion.

Giron knew, however, that this was only the beginning.

The group determined that mental and emotional resilience were the main areas that needed to be improved. In addition to physical prowess, competing in high-stakes tournaments required the capacity to cope with stress and hardship. Galeries realized that in order to become a more competitive squad in upcoming competitions, these areas needed to be strengthened.

This season demonstrated that Galeries could compete with more seasoned, powerful teams, despite the difficult exit. Throughout the conference, the players showed signs of their promise and persevered. Even if there were times when they felt frustrated, such experiences would spur them on to work even harder, hone their abilities, and improve.

The Highrisers had only just begun their journey. Future success will be built on the lessons acquired from this campaign. Galeries is well-positioned to become a more competitive squad in the upcoming seasons with further improvement and a more resilient mentality. Their will to achieve even greater success in the future will be strengthened by the setbacks of today.