SANTA ROSA — Chery Tiggo earned an important win on Saturday, dispatching also-ran Akari in straight sets, 25-17, 25-20, 25-17 to force a four-way tie for the number one spot in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex here.
The Crossovers made it six consecutive wins after the win over the Chargers. That brings them level with defending champion Creamline, Choco Mucho, and Petro Gazz in the number one spot with identical 8-2 records.
Chery Tiggo’s victory also means that Cignal – who will battle PLDT the High Speed Hitters later in the day – is already out of the semifinals race.
“Malaking bagay ang panalo namin ngayon kasi target namin bound to semis. Pero ito, meron pa kami isang game at malaking turning point to para sa amin kasi ‘yung Akari anytime pwede bumalik,” said Crossovers head coach Kungfu Reyes.
Eya Laure took charge for Chery Tiggo with 14 points on nine attacks, three blocks, and two service aces after an hour and 34 minutes of action.
Ara Galang scored nine markers, while team captain Aby Marano, Mylene Paat, EJ Laure, and Cza Carandang all had seven points in the Crossovers’ balanced offensive attack.
Alina Bicar led the charge with eight excellent sets laced with eight excellent digs.
Libero Jennifer Nierva also had an impressive showing defensively with 11 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs.
“Luckily nakuha namin ‘yung panalo, and siguro by Monday naka-ready na ulit kami, preparation naman for Galeries. It’s a must-win para, at least malaki ‘yung chance namin na andoon kami sa Final Four,” said Reyes.
Chery Tiggo will aim to bolster its semis bid and end the elimination round on a high note when they face also-ran Galeries Tower on Thursday, 4:00 PM at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
On the other hand, Ezra Madrigal paced Akari, who dropped to 4-6, with 10 points on seven attacks and three blocks.
Erika Raagas, who only played in the final two sets, had eight markers and eight excellent receptions.
The Chargers will try to cap their campaign with a victory against Strong Group Athletics on Saturday, 6:00 PM, also in Philsports.
