Deloria seizes moment as Galeries tops Farm Fresh

MANILA, Philippines — From small beginnings, Erika Deloria has carved her way to Premier Volleyball League relevance.

Deloria, the first non-UAAP and NCAA rookie to be drafted into the league last year, delivered her best game to date and powered Galeries Tower to a shock 25-17, 24-26, 25-19, 26-24 win over Farm Fresh yesterday in the PVL on Tour in Batangas City.

The 25-year-old Bacolod City native was a spiker possessed, unleashing a match-best 24 points including 22 off attacks to propel the Highrisers to the stunning triumph.

“It just heartwarming to win against one of the contenders in the PVL,” said Deloria, an MVP in her college days playing for Enderun before being enlisted by Chery Tiggo as its 20th pick.

It was a tough journey for Deloria as she had to play somewhere else when she didn’t make teams in the UAAP and NCAA and, when she made the PVL, ended up being team-less after the Crossovers disbanded last year.

Finally given a chance at Galeries Tower, Deloria grabbed it.

“It was about their will to win,” said Galeries Tower coach Clarence Esteban.

Battle-scarred Aiza Pontillas scattered 13 hits while Jean Asis and Roselle Baliton each pumped in nine points.

Lams Lamina, this year’s top rookie pick from  National University, had a solid debut, helping Julia Coronel in sustaining their team’s seamless attack.