With their backs against the wall, Cess Robles and Shaya Adorador vowed to give it their all as they led Chery Tiggo’s bid to escape the play-in and secure a quarterfinal berth in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Robles and Adorador spearheaded the Crossovers’ crucial win over Nxled on Thursday, powering the team to a 25-22, 26-24, 25-12 victory — bringing them one step closer to clinching the lone quarterfinal spot in Pool B of the play-in round.
“Sa’kin (dapat) wala ng doubt. Kasi ito na ‘yun eh, ito na ‘yun. Kailangan lang naming gawin ‘yung trabaho namin para makuha namin ‘yung goal namin,” said Robles, the former National University standout, after the win.
The duo delivered stellar performances on both ends, showcasing their all-around game. Robles tallied 15 points, nine excellent receptions, and seven excellent digs, while Adorador contributed 14 points and 11 excellent digs.
Chery Tiggo snapped a four-game skid, gaining a much-needed confidence boost ahead of their do-or-die match against Farm Fresh.
“Mindset namin talagang killer instinct pa rin na sana madala namin siya into Farm Fresh game. And yung teamwork pa rin namin, makinig lang sa coaches and talagang pag nauna na, kailangan pukpukan na kasi hindi na talaga biro yung games na ‘to. All-out na po,” said Adorador.
(C) PVL Images
Robles admitted that the Crossovers, especially their wingers, struggled with offensive production in their previous match — a key factor in their loss to Choco Mucho during the qualifying round, which ultimately sent them to the play-in stage.
Determined to turn things around, they focused on improving their blocking and attacking in training to prepare for the crucial stretch ahead.
“Nung last game namin nagkulang kaming mga hitter so kailangan namin mag-work out. ‘Yun ‘yung tinrabaho namin sa training, as in pasa, palo, block kaming mga wingers. Maganda naman ‘yung kinalabasan ngayong game,” Robles added.
Now just one win away from the quarterfinals, Adorador hopes their improved chemistry and momentum will be enough to carry them through the must-win stretch and ultimately punch their ticket to the next round.
“Nakikita ko sa team namin na kahit na down kami, hindi kami nagwawatak-watak, lalo na ‘yung mga players,” said Adorador.
“Siyempre, kami ‘yung magkasama sa loob ng court, at siyempre, mas nakikita namin ‘yung everyday na struggle. Pero alam namin na malalampasan namin ‘yun with each other, na magkakasama.”
