Chery Tiggo wrapped up its 2024 campaign in scrambling fashion, storming back from a 1-2 set deficit to overpower Galeries Tower with a 30-28, 20-25, 19-25, 25-16, 15-8 victory in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at Philsports Arena on Saturday.
Showcasing renewed vigor and resilience, the Crossovers leaned on their experience and composure to wear down a youthful Highrisers squad that faltered late in the fourth set and struggled throughout the decisive fifth.
Chery Tiggo’s experience and superior stamina turned the tide. Down by four points early in the fourth set, the Crossovers mounted a furious comeback. Led by Cess Robles’ relentless assault, they outscored the Highrisers with 16 attack points and capitalized on six costly errors to win the frame comfortably.
In Set 5, Chery Tiggo wasted no time seizing control. After an early 1-all count, the Crossovers ignited a 4-0 run anchored by Robles, who capped her stellar performance with a mix of off-speed shots and powerful blasts.
Galeries Tower, visibly fatigued and plagued by errors – including a crucial net violation –could not recover as Chery Tiggo pulled away for a seven-point victory.
The opening set saw both teams locked in a battle of grit and endurance, with long, punishing rallies testing their limits. Galeries Tower delivered a remarkable performance early, fueled by efficient hitting, solid floor defense, and well-timed blocking. However, Chery Tiggo’s composure under pressure proved decisive as they edged out the set.
Undeterred, the Highrisers surged back, taking the second and third frames with clinical precision. Behind standout efforts from France Ronquillo, Jewel Encarnacion and Ysa Jimenez, Galeries Tower amassed 69 attack points – three more than the Crossovers—keeping Chery Tiggo on the ropes.
Robles, who earned Player of the Game honors, was exceptional on both offense and defense. She tallied 21 points, highlighted by decisive hits, and contributed nine excellent digs, 11 receptions, and relentless energy.
Jen Nierva provided additional defensive stability with 21 digs and 10 receptions.
The Crossovers showcased their depth with four other players posting double-digit outputs – vintage Aby Maraño delivered 15 points, Pauline Gaston chipped in 14 with sharp middle power tips, Shaya Adorador contributed 13 markers, and Ara Galang added 11 points.
