Even with younger stars entering the PVL, Ara Galang isn't willing to give up her spot that easily as she continues to be a dependable veteran presence for the Chery Tiggo Crossovers.
Through the years, countless new faces have entered the PVL. Yet, Ara Galang remains the same reliable force she has always been.
The former DLSU standout starred in the Chery Tiggo Crossovers’ sweep against the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 25–23, 25–22, 25–21, to advance to the PVL on Tour quarterfinals at the Dasmariñas Arena in Cavite on Saturday, August 2.
Galang had 11 points built on 10 attacks and one block, to go along with 11 excellent digs.
“Nag-umpisa lang din sa mindset na hindi kami puwedeng magpatalo. Kumbaga, hindi na kami puwede magpabaya, so kailangan manalo lang,” Galang said, not wanting to let a playoff spot slip away.
“Hindi ko nilagay sa isip ko na matatalo kami kasi kahit anong mangyari talaga, ipaglalaban namin. Ito ‘yung opportunity makapasok sa quarterfinals, so iga-grab talaga namin.”
At 30 years old, Galang has weathered the highs and lows of her career. And while younger players continue to enter the league, her determination to compete—and improve—has only grown stronger.
“Siyempre kahit maraming pumapasok na bago or bata parang hindi ko naman puwedeng hayaan o ibigay lang sa kanila. Gusto ko ‘yung pinaghirapan ko, paghirapan din nila,” said Galang.
“Siyempre nagpapakahirap sila makapunta sa puwesto na ito, ako rin paghihirapan ko. Hindi naman basta hahayaan na okay chill lang ako.”
[ALSO READ: Did Chery Tiggo strike gold in 2025 PVL Rookie Draft? Head coach Norman Miguel believes so]
For Galang, the trust placed in her by the Chery Tiggo coaching staff and her Crossovers teammates is something she intends to honor every time she steps on the court.
“Kailangan kong panindigan ‘yung mga binigay saking tiwala ng coaches and team. Kailangan ko pa rin gampanan role ko so patuloy pa rin ako,” she said.
“Hindi naman ako puwede maghinto mag-improve every game. Hangga't kaya, hangga't may maitutulong sa team, parang ‘yun ‘yung mindset and goal every time.”
[ALSO READ: PVL: Ara Galang reflects on roster changes, emphasizes collective effort from Chery Tiggo]
Galang and the Crossovers will now ready for the quarterfinals, where they will face the Nxled Chameleons next Saturday, August 9, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.