MANILA, Philippines – Even the tallest skyscrapers are constructed one brick at a time, as the Galeries Tower Highrisers recently demonstrated. The Premier Volleyball League has long been a stage where it was established. Giants cast lengthy shadows over the rest of the field. The 2026 All-Filipino Conference was rocked by the Highrisers’ incredible four-set upset against the widely favored Nxled Chameleons. Roselle Baliton, who won PVL Press Corps Player of the Week for her veteran poise and unwavering presence at the net, was at the center of this defensive masterclass. For a team that has fought for relevance on the professional circuit for the better part of two years, this was more than just a victory for the rankings; it was a cultural shift.

Towering Ambition

With 16 points overall, including an incredible seven kill blocks, Baliton’s stat line from the game is a defensive coordinator’s paradise. For background, in the latter minutes of the fourth set, Baliton neutralized the high-flying Brooke Van Sickle by blocking every member of the Nxled team at crucial periods. Baliton demonstrated the “balanced attack” style that Coach Aying Esteban has been advocating since the summer roster reset by combining her net defense with seven clinical attacks and two service aces. The Highrisers had previously depended on individual outbursts of skill, but this triumph was based on methodical discipline, a “team effort” that allowed them to move into the top half of the leaderboard and even their record at 2-2.

Galeries Tower has formally moved from the “auto-fade” category to the “dangerous live-dog” category for the betting community. Galeries has historically been viewed by bookmakers as a squad that crumbles when faced with a 20-point set, but the defensive effectiveness shown against Nxled points to a fundamental change. The Highrisers’ “Set Handicap” market has become a high-value target due to their ability to defend both the floor and the net at the same time. In particular, the “+1.5 Set” prediction for Galeries against mid-tier teams in future games now has a lot of weight. They are now a squad that does more than just play; they force opponents to battle for every single transition point, frequently making mistakes from irate favorites who were hoping for a simple sweep.

The “Total Blocks” prop is the most profitable tip for astute wagerers. As a defensive anchor, Baliton is settling into her rhythm, and Galeries is now above their expected block totals. The Highrisers’ net defense not only scored points in the upset victory over Nxled, but it also forced the Chameleons’ offense to follow dependable patterns. The “Over” for Galeries’ team blocks in their next clash against Choco Mucho should be closely watched by bettors. Although the Flying Titans are exceptionally tall, Esteban’s technique has greatly improved the Highrisers’ tactical “reaching beyond” and block seam closure. The oddsmakers will probably soon modify the individual player props for Baliton’s defensive contribution upward if she keeps averaging more than three blocks each game.

Additionally, there are indications that the Galeries “First Set Winner” business is thriving. The Highrisers have shown a lot of enthusiasm in their recent games, frequently surprising favorites with their increased floor covering. As the match goes on and the “depth” of the larger teams starts to emerge, selecting Galeries to win the first set as a heavy underdog gives a sizable reward potential for those who prefer “middle” betting or hedging. The “culture of winning” is still being developed, though, as Baliton herself pointed out. Their consistency across five sets is still a work in progress, so even while their ceiling is high, they are more of a bet for single set winners than for long-term match results against the league’s “Big Three.”

As the conference enters its middle phases, the Highrisers have emerged as the league’s top “spoiler.” They have demonstrated that they can finish as well as take a punch, as evidenced by their ability to bounce back from a second-set setback against Nxled to win the third and fourth sets. For supporters, it’s a touching tale of tenacity; for wagerers, it’s a warning to quit putting their money on the Highrisers. When Baliton is on the floor, the net turns into a “no-fly zone,” and in the PVL, your bankroll will frequently benefit most from a strong defense. Galeries Tower has become more than simply a name; it serves as a warning to the other teams in the league.