Chery Tiggo kicked off its new era under head coach Norman Miguel and without star player Eya Laure on a high note, securing a thrilling five-set victory over Capital1, 20-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-18, 15-11, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday evening.
The match saw a dramatic finish as Capital1 tied the deciding set at 9-all with back-to-back points.
However, Chery Tiggo’s Ara Galang, Aby Maraño, and Mary Rhose Dapol mounted a strong attack, helped by an error from Heather Guino-o, to take a 13-9 lead.
Despite a response from Leila Cruz, who pulled Capital1 within 11-13, Dapol’s crosscourt attack followed by a Galang ace sealed the win for the Crossovers in a grueling two-hour and 43-minute match.
“Kapag sa training naman, lagi namin sila nireremind na idevelop yung character at maturity so nung umabot na kami ng fifth set, that’s it sabi namin hindi na ito about skills, lalaban tayo nito character na ang ilalabas niyo ditoayun nag translate naman,” said Miguel, who secured his first professional victory.
(C) PVL Images
Seth Rodriguez and Dapol sparked the Crossovers’ rally in the fourth set, which forced a fifth.
In the absence of Laure, her sister EJ, and libero Buding Duremdes, Galang, Cess Robles, and Shaya Adorador rose to the occasion, helping the Crossovers begin their campaign with a strong performance.
Galang was exceptional, finishing with 23 points, including 18 attacks, four blocks, and one ace.
Robles contributed 12 points and 27 excellent digs, while Adorador added 11 points in three sets of action.
Dapol, playing only three sets, chipped in eight points.
Chery Tiggo and Capital1 will now enjoy an eight-day break before returning to action on November 21 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Crossovers will open the matchday at 4 p.m. against the Cignal HD Spikers, followed by the Solar Spikers taking on the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at 6:30 p.m.
(C) PVL Images
For Capital1, Cruz, the second overall pick in the inaugural draft, delivered a career-best 20 points on 14 attacks, five blocks, and one ace, while also registering 16 digs.
Patty Orendain added 14 points, and Guino-o contributed 12 points off the bench in limited action.
