MANILA, Philippines — Galeries Tower players tied their hair with white ribbons during a game against ZUS Coffee in the PVL All-Filipino Conference in honor of their former utility Jeric Importante, who passed away recently.
The HighRisers lamented not being able to get the win as their losing skid stretched to four following a 22-25, 16-25, 19-25 loss to the Thunderbelles on Thursday at Philsports Arena.
Article continues after this advertisement
“Wala pong may gustong magsalita. Kasi may team member na nga po kaming nawala, parang dinamdam namin talaga ‘yung pagkawala niya na dapat ilaban namin ‘yung game [para sa kanya], pero mas lalo kaming nagluksa,” said libero Alysa Eroa, who had 11 digs and nine excellents receptions.
READ: PVL: ZUS Coffee nails 2nd straight win behind new acquisitions
Galeries Tower libero Alyssa Eroa said their team is still grieving on late utility Jeric Importante.
They wore white ribbons during the game for him. #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Rx37LEZ3yo
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) November 28, 2024
Eroa said Importante was vital to the team since it joined the PVL last year.
Article continues after this advertisement
“Utility po talaga namin siya tapos parang nung first conference ko sa Galeries, nandun talaga siya. Sa lahat po talaga ng bagay or sa araw araw po naming may ensayo, siya po talaga ‘yung kasama namin. Siya ‘yung naiiwan sa team kasi nagaayos pa. Siya ‘yung nagaasikaso ng food namin, tapos ng mga gamit,” said Eroa.
With a 0-4 record, Eroa admitted it doesn’t get any easier for Galeries since all the other teams improved.
READ: PVL: PLDT scores second win with tough sweep of Galeries
“Hindi ko na alam anong mindset eh. Hindi ko na alam saan kami huhugot ng lakas, parang ‘yung pinakaworst na game namin dito lumabas eh. Parang itong game ‘yung pinakaworst talaga,” said Eroa. “Tuloy pa rin sa gelling kasi nandiyan din si Jho (Maraguinot), medyo bago pa sa team. Siguro ayun yung pinakaipopolish namin kasi malaking bagay din si Jho sa loob ng court eh, may maturity si Jho. Kaya siguro dun muna kami magfofocus.”
“Gagawin din namin ‘yung best namin na maayos po namin at para talaga makapanalo na kami ngayong conference,” she added.
Galeries tries to finally get its first win when it battles Capital1 on December 7 in Cebu.