ILOCOS NORTE -- Jaja Santiago stressed the fight isn't over for Chery Tiggo in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference.
Santiago and the Crossovers were able to recover from two sets down but they were denied by Alyssa Valdez and the Creamline Cool Smashers in the fifth set, yielding in Finals Game One, 15-25, 21-25, 25-18, 25-19, 7-15, on Wednesday at the PCV Socio-Civic and Cultural Center here in Bacarra.
With their back against the wall, Santiago believes her team can pull off the same magic in the semifinals, where they fought back from losing Game One against Choco Mucho.
"Hindi pa naman tapos yung laban. Hindi namin basta bastang bibitawan tong championship game na 'to hanggang makuha namin yung pinakagoal ng team na 'to," she said after pouring 25 points in their loss.
The 6-foot-5 middle blocker pointed out their lack of net and floor defense that caused a lethargic start and failed to stop Creamline's championship poise in the fifth set.
"Ang tingin lang namin is medyo (nawala) kami doon sa blockings, nagkulang kami, and floor defense," she said.
Chery Tiggo head coach Aaron Velez agreed to the Ageo Medics import but he remained proud on their gallant stand.
"Honestly, it's really our reception that we have to improve on," he said. "The ladies are willing to step up. Kinulang lang but definitely we'll make a good adjustment and come back stronger."
The Crossovers fight for their dear lives in Game Two against the Cool Smashers on Thursday at 5 pm.
And Santiago believes they will bounce back stronger.
"Kinapos kami sa dulo pero nakita naman namin na kaya talaga," she said. "Basta kung ano yung magandang kinilos namin kanina iimprove pa namin yun and yung hindi magaganda iseset aside na namin yun." (AL)
