Chery Tiggo survived a gritty United Auctioneers Inc-Army to clinch the first semis ticket in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, 22-25, 25-18, 25-27, 25-18, 15-12, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The Crossovers improved to 5-0 to remain at the top of the standings while pushing the Lady Troopers down to 0-4.
“Very slow kasi ‘yung start namin hindi ko alam kung anong meron sa first set namin pero tinry pa rin namin i-boost ‘yung morale ng players namin,” said Chery Tiggo head coach Clarence Esteban.
The Crossovers reached set point after back-to-back hits by Mylene Paat, but they gave up three consecutive errors to hand UAI-Army the third frame, 27-25.
But Chery Tiggo came out firing in the fourth salvo, racing to a 16-9 lead en route to forcing a decider.
The Lady Troopers were just a point behind, 6-7, before the Crossovers pulled away with Cza Carandang leading the way to 14-9.
UAI-Army threatened with three straight points but Mylene Paat finished the match off a combination play.
Paat spearheaded Chery Tiggo with 23 points while Montenegrin import Jelena Cvijovic had 19 points and 19 excellent receptions.
“It was a tough game. Army really had good defense and good service so we really had to put a lot of effort to win it at the end,” said Cvijovic.
Carandang got 15 points on two blocks and two aces in the win as well.
Royse Tubino paced the Lady Troopers with 24 points while Canadian Laura Condotta registered a triple-double of 19 points, 16 digs, and 12 receptions.
UAI-Army hopes to get its breakthrough win next Thursday against Cignal at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan at 2:30 pm.
Chery Tiggo will return on November 5 at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex, clashing with fellow undefeated Creamline at 5:30 pm.
