Jimenez, Galeries Tower standing tall

Galeries Tower made a breakthrough quarterfinals appearance in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

Winger Ysa Jimenez took the opportunity to own the spotlight in an amazing historic feat that shook the powers that be to the core.

Just when many thought that the Highrisers were easy prey for third-seeded and seasoned traditional powerhouse Cignal, Jimenez rose to the occasion and delivered a performance to remember in the qualifying round.

Fueled by heartbreaks from 10 tough losses in their 11 preliminary round games, the spiker turned their self-doubts into motivation to defy the odds in a 25-17, 25-22, 19-25, 25-19 stunner last Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Jimenez left everything on the floor and unleashed a game-high 23 points on a 22-of-55 attacking clip in the Galeries Tower’s first playoffs appearance since joining the league in 2023.

“It’s all worth it. Like what coach (Lerma Giron) said we’ve been through a lot and even got to the point where we questioned ourselves if our hardwork would ever amount to something,” Jimenez said.

“Coach told us to play without pressure. We’re confident because we prepared well,” she added.

For playing her heart out, which led to one of the biggest upsets in the league history, Jimenez earned the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live for the period of 27 February to 1 March.

Jimenez bested teammate and top libero Alyssa Eroa, Petro Gazz’s Brooke Van Sickle, Creamline’s Bea de Leon, and Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina for the weekly plum deliberated by reporters from print and online publications covering the pioneering volleyball league streamed live and on-demand via the Pilipinas Live app and on www.pvl.ph.

Jimenez and the Highrisers played like a team on a mission in the all-important showdown with the No. 3 seed in the quarterfinals at stake.

Galeries Tower’s hard work was rewarded with its first franchise win over the fancied HD Spikers.

“We just kept our faith and believed that everything happens for a reason. As they say, if it’s meant for you, it will be yours,” Jimenez said.

The Highrisers will battle the winner between Farm Fresh and Akari in the other qualifying pairing in a best-of-three quarters series.