BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE — Chery Tiggo went toe-to-toe against Creamline before falling late in the Game One of the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference finals.
But in order for the Crossovers to close out the Cool Smashers, head coach Aaron Velez and star hitter Jaja Santiago bared that they have to match the three-headed monster of Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza, and Tots Carlos with impenetrable floor defense.
“Honestly, it’s really our reception that we have to improve on,” admitted Velez after the five-set loss on Wednesday night.
“Tingin ko ‘yung depensa and ‘yung blockings kasi ‘yung receive, may receive naman. Ang tingin lang namin is medyo na-ano kami doon sa blockings, nagkulang kami, and floor defense,” added Santiago.
With the troika of Valdez, Galanza, and Carlos leading the way for Creamline, Chery Tiggo fell to an early 0-2 deficit.
Though the Crossovers managed to even the game after successive victories in the third and fourth set, it was not enough. Valdez and Carlos poured four and three points, respectively, in the decider. That led to a 25-15, 25-21, 18-25, 19-25, 15-7 win for the Rebisco-backed squad.
“Kinapos kami sa dulo pero nakita naman namin na kaya talaga.
“Siguro may mga lapses lang na talagang huli na namin nai-adjust. Bukas, kung ano yung mga nai-adjust namin na magaganda, dadalhin namin ‘yun. Iimprove pa namin,” said Santiago, finished with a team-best 25 points.
Buding Duremdes collected 23 excellent receptions and 14 excellent digs. Shaya Adorador added 12 and 11, respectively.
Still, it was not enough for Chery Tiggo to weather the Creamline storm.
Nevertheless, Santiago believes that the team can quickly learn from its mistakes, just as they did in their semifinals series against Choco Mucho.
“Siyempre katulad ng mindset namin nung natalo kami sa Choco Mucho nung first game, hindi pa naman tapos yung laban. Meron pa kaming Game Two and Game Three,” claimed Santiago, who looks to win her first domestic title since the 2016 PSL Grand Prix.
“Hindi namin basta-bastang bibitawan ‘tong championship game na ‘to hanggang makuha namin ‘yung pinaka-goal ng team na ‘to.”
