Chery Tiggo went through a wringer in the first set but dominated the second then held off Cignal late in the third to complete a 27-25, 25-19, 25-19 victory in the 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.
The Crossovers, out to redeem themselves from a forgettable second-to-last finish in the nine-team field in this conference, then billed as the Open, last year, drew timely hits from Jaycel delos Reyes and Shaya Adorador in the stretch of the third, scuttling the HD Spikers’ comeback bid at 22-24.
“It’s really more about our composure and from the start yung preparation namin, sabi namin sa isa’t isa our teamwork will actually be our force. Our camaraderie, our communication should always be on point,” said returning Chery Tiggo head coach Aaron Velez.
Alina Bicar produced 14 excellent sets to clinch the game’s top honors, keeping the Crossovers’ offense humming behind top hitter Mylene Paat, middle Cza Carandang and EJ Laure while the rest backed them up with a gritty defense that held through all three set
Shaya Adorador finished with 16 points to go along with 15 excellent digs and five excellent receptions.
Team captain Mylene Paat added 15 markers on 13 attacks, an ace, and a block while EJ Laure chipped in 13 points laced with five receptions.
Ces Molina led the way for the HD Spikers with 16 points and nine receptions while Ria Meneses had 11 points on six attacks, three blocks, and two aces.
