Chery Tiggo snapped a four-game losing streak and moved one step closer to the quarterfinals after sweeping Nxled, 25-22, 26-24, 25-12, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference play-in round on Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The Crossovers, now 1-0 in Pool B, relied on the trio of Cess Robles, Shaya Adorador, and Ara Galang to move within a win of securing a quarterfinals berth, where defending champion and top seed Creamline awaits.
After tight battles in the first two sets, Chery Tiggo pulled away midway through the third, with Robles, Adorador, and Galang spearheading a blistering 11-2 finishing run to seal the victory in just an hour and 39 minutes.
(C) PVL Images
“Ako kanina, nakita ko lang din ‘yung leadership ng mga ate, ng bawat isa, na gustong-gusto talaga tapusin na ‘yung laro,” said Robles, crediting the team’s veterans for leading the charge.
“Napagkwentuhan din namin na dapat nandun ‘yung killer instinct namin sa laro, and ‘yun nga, ‘yung confidence namin para madala namin sa next game nakita ko rin kanina. Super proud din ako sa teammates ko dahil maganda ‘yung laro,” she added.
Robles delivered an all-around performance with 15 points, including 14 attacks, while also contributing nine excellent receptions and seven excellent digs. Galang matched her output with 15 points, while Adorador chipped in 14 points and 11 excellent digs.
Setter Alina Bicar orchestrated the offense with 12 excellent sets, while Pauline Gaston added seven points, including four kill blocks, for the Crossovers.
Chery Tiggo landed in the play-in round after suffering a straight-set loss to Choco Mucho, 22-25, 22-25, 23-25, in the qualifying stage.
The Crossovers will aim to secure a quarterfinal spot when they face Farm Fresh on Tuesday at 4:00 PM at the same venue.
Meanwhile, the Chameleons will try to keep their playoff hopes alive when they take on the Foxies on Thursday at 4:00 PM.
(C) PVL Images
EJ Laure, playing her first match against her former team, led Nxled with 15 points off 13 attacks and two aces, along with eight excellent digs and four excellent receptions.
Team captain Chiara Permentilla contributed 11 points and 11 excellent receptions in the loss.
