Chery Tiggo's journey through the Premier Volleyball League Play-In Tournament became a proving ground for their resilience and determination. Emerging victorious in Pool B, the Crossovers claimed wins over the Nxled Chameleons and Farm Fresh Foxies to secure their spot in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals.
For Shaya Adorador, who averaged 16 points across those crucial games, these victories demonstrated the Crossovers’ ability to stand toe-to-toe with any opponent in the league.
“Sobrang importante po na naranasan namin 'tong dikdikan talaga. Nakita namin sa Nxled at sa Farm Fresh na gusto rin talaga nilang manalo,” shared Adorador, who delivered a standout performance with 18 points, 13 digs, and 11 receptions against the Foxies.
“Dito rin namin nakita na yung team namin, talagang hindi kami nagpatalo sa mga dikdikan na score-an at balikan ng bola kasi yun yung pinaka-importante. Nakita namin yung team namin na tine-test talaga kami sa ganong situations,” she added.
That mental fortitude will be crucial as Chery Tiggo enters the quarterfinals as the eighth seed, facing the formidable Creamline Cool Smashers — the defending Grand Slam champions. Creamline dropped just one match during the preliminary round, a five-set thriller against the PLDT High Speed Hitters.
In their previous encounter, Creamline overwhelmed Chery Tiggo in straight sets, 25-17, 25-17, 25-21, showcasing their dominance. But for veteran spiker Ara Galang, the Crossovers' hard-fought victories in the Play-In Tournament have sharpened their chemistry and individual skills — elements they will rely on to challenge the top seed.
“Sa two games, itong past two games na dumagdag sa amin bago kami umabot ng quarters, mahalaga dahil ayun nga, isa doon yung mate-test yung character ng team. Pangalawa, parang mahahasa pa yung teamwork namin at yung individual skills namin para alam mo yun, pag nag-work kasi individually mabubuo yung team so ayun po,” said Galang, who delivered a team-high 20 points in their win over Farm Fresh.
Chery Tiggo will need to harness every ounce of grit and determination when they take on Creamline in Game 1 of their best-of-three quarterfinal series next Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
