Eya Laure and the rest of Chery Tiggo simply wouldn’t quit, staging a comeback against a resurgent F2 Logistics with a final score of 27-25, 11-25, 17-25, 25-22, 15-10, to secure a spot in the semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
Laure took charge in the fourth set, executing crucial attacks that prevented the Cargo Movers from closing out the game. She played a pivotal role in the Crossovers’ closing run in the decider, enabling them to secure another come-from-behind victory.
The former UST star scored 19 points, with 17 attacks, and contributed 16 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions for Chery Tiggo. The team extended its winning streak to six games, moving up to 8-1 in the standings.
“Yung ano namin, yung bini-build up namin na… actually ito na eh, ito na yung character namin na never say die attitude. Parang ano lang, parang talaba, patay na kumakapit pa,” said Crossovers deputy coach Kungfu Reyes.
With the Cargo Movers attempting to finish the game, Laure powered through with back-to-back attacks to break the tie at 22, giving Chery Tiggo a 22-20 advantage. Although F2 Logistics closed the gap to one again at 23-22, Laure scored twice more to force a fifth set.
In the final frame, the 24-year-old former UAAP High School Girls’ MVP continued her stellar performance, initiating a three-to-nothing run with a cross-court hit. This turned their slim 12-10 edge into a 15-12 win after two hours and eight minutes of play.
“So hanggang sa dulo makuha namin, collective effort ulit, team effort ulit. First set nakuha namin kasi tina-trabaho namin, second and third ‘di naman kami nagpapabaya talagang mailap lang yung bola sa amin so masyadong irritated yung galaw namin,” said Reyes.
Mylene Paat led the Crossovers with 21 points, comprising 15 attacks, three aces, and three blocks, while EJ Laure and Cess Robles contributed nine and eight points, respectively.
Also standing out in the cardiac finish was Jennifer Nierva, who played her best game as a pro with 27 excellent digs and 21 excellent receptions.
This marks the first time Chery Tiggo has made the semifinals since the 2022 Reinforced Conference.
On the other hand, Ara Galang led the 4-6 Cargo Movers with 22 points, while Ivy Lacsina had 19 markers from 17 attacks and two kill blocks.
Despite a commendable effort from Dawn Macandili, registering 33 excellent digs and 23 excellent receptions, F2 Logistics fell short.
Chery Tiggo aims to extend its winning streak against defending champion Creamline on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m., while F2 Logistics looks to bounce back against PLDT on Thursday, also at 6:00 p.m., both at the same venue.
