Julia Coronel, Galeries Tower begin PVL All-Filipino campaign vs Cignal

The Galeries Tower Highrisers open their 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference campaign eager to test a new-look lineup against familiar opposition vs. the Cignal Super Spikers on Saturday, January 31, at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.

Still very much a work in progress after an extensive offseason overhaul, the Highrisers enter the season balancing patience and ambition. 

Head coach Aying Esteban is expected to lean on experience early, with veteran Aiza Pontillas providing on-court leadership, alongside key holdovers Julia Coronel and last year’s second overall rookie pick Jean Asis.

[ALSO READ: Aiza Maizo-Pontillas excited for new PVL chapter with rebuilding Galeries Tower]

Coronel, in particular, looms as a steadying presence for a squad still learning to play together.

Her composure as a setter will be crucial as Galeries Tower looks to establish rhythm and identity against one of the league’s most stable teams.

The Highrisers’ revamped roster features a mix of youth, depth, and hunger, with Erika Raagas, Jules Samonte, Gayle Pascual, BLove Barbon, Cams Victoria, Shola Alvarez, Lycha Ebon, Julia Angeles, Dolly Verzosa, Erika Deloria, Sharya Ancheta, Venice Puzon, and Maji Mangulabnan all in the rotation as the team searches for the right combinations.

[ALSO READ: Erika Raagas on renewed motivation with Galeries Tower: ‘Still have lot to show’]

With barely a month to prepare, Esteban has tempered expectations but remains optimistic that the group’s blend of experience and urgency can help them stay competitive against the league’s established contenders.

First serve is set for 4:00 p.m.

[ALSO READ: PVL preview: Can the Galeries Tower major revamp bring the team into relevance?]

(With reports from Kiko Demigillo/One Sports)

—

[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]