Chery Tiggo showcased its composure against a resilient yet error-prone Creamline side, claiming a 25-20, 24-26, 21-25, 25-17, 17-15 victory in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Invitationals at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday.
The Crossovers erased multiple deficits to overcome the Cool Smashers, who relied heavily on Michele Gumabao and Pangs Panaga in the decisive fifth set.
Chery Tiggo found themselves down 1-5 and later 7-10 in the fifth frame. But on both occasions, they mounted comebacks led by Ara Galang, Cess Robles, and Renee Peñafiel.
The most critical moment came when Panaga hammered a quick kill to give Creamline match point at 14-13.
Robles responded with an off-the-block hit, and Peñafiel followed with a block on Gumabao to give the Crossovers their own match point at 15-14.
Gumabao tied it again with a sharp crosscourt hit, but Creamline committed its 33rd and 34th errors on a Gumabao service fault and a net touch by Alyssa Valdez. That handed Chery Tiggo the win and a 2-1 record after a grueling two hours and 39 minutes.
(C) PVL Images
“Big win ito kasi talagang big loss naman kami nung isang araw. So talagang wala kaming choice kundi i-redeem namin yung sarili namin,” said Chery Tiggo head coach Norman Miguel, recalling their 16-25, 14-25, 20-25 loss to PLDT that opened the tournament last Thursday.
He added, “Yun naman talaga yung napag-usapan namin na like yesterday, sana pag aapak kami sa court ngayon, maglalaro kami ng may pride.”
Galang led Chery Tiggo with 20 points on 15 attacks, four blocks, and an ace, while Peñafiel contributed 18 points, including three service aces.
Robles added 16 points, 10 receptions, and 10 digs. Pauline Gaston made the most of her three sets with 10 points, including a game-high four blocks.
(C) PVL Images
For Creamline, Jema Galanza led the effort with 23 points, 12 receptions, and 10 digs. Gumabao scored 21 points, seven of which came in the fifth set.
Alyssa Valdez also added 17 points and 10 digs, but the Cool Smashers fell to 1-2.
Both teams will return to action on Tuesday, with Creamline opening at 4:00 PM against Kobe Shinwa University. Then Chery Tiggo faces ZUS Coffee at 6:30 PM, still at the Philsports Arena.
