Chery Tiggo opened its Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference campaign with a resounding victory, sweeping Farm Fresh with scores of 25-21, 25-23, and 25-22 on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With Mylene Paat still dealing with swelling in her right foot, Princess Robles stepped up in the third set.
And her performance helped the Crossovers deny the Foxies a chance to extend the game.
Chery Tiggo head coach Aaron Velez commended Robles, saying, “Ako, I’ll really give it to Princess [Robles] kasi sana maging inspiration siya sa mga bawat teammates niya na kapag halimbawa pinasok, more than dun sa nagde-deliver, yung readiness.”
After surviving the first two sets against a spirited Farm Fresh side, the Crossovers found themselves trailing 18-10 in the third set. The Foxies were then threatening to push the game to a fourth frame.
That’s when Robles stepped up and scored five crucial points in an 8-0 run that allowed her team to tie the score at 18-all.
Jade Gentapa, Riza Cruz, and Louie Romero managed to turn things around, giving the Foxies a 22-20 advantage. However, EJ Laure stopped the bleeding with an off-the-block hit, kick-starting a 5-0 finishing run for Chery Tiggo.
“I’m just happy that the players are healthy. Okay yung set namin nung 1 and 2, maganda. I think medyo slow start kami nung third but because of their determination, and nagkakaroon na rin kami ng jelling, nai-tawid namin yung third set. Thank you dun sa mga players namin na nag-push,” added Velez.
The younger Laure led the team with 14 points, making 12 attacks, a block, and an ace. Meanwhile, the elder Laure contributed 13 points along with nine excellent receptions for the Crossovers.
Robles, who played in the last two sets, provided a spark off the bench and tallied 10 points. Imee Hernandez registered eight points with six attacks, an ace, and a block in the victory.
Chery Tiggo will aim for its second consecutive win against the new squad Galeries Tower on Thursday at 3:00 PM at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
On the other hand, Trisha Tubu led the Foxies with 15 points, but they remain winless in the PVL after six attempts since the Invitationals.
Jade Gentapa and Kate Santiago added 10 and nine points, respectively, with Santiago also contributing 14 receptions and 10 digs.
Farm Fresh will look for its first win in the pros when they face Choco Mucho on Thursday at 7:00 PM.
