MANILA – Chery Tiggo Crossovers stretched its winning run in the 2024 PVL 1st All-Filipino Conference with a 25-17, 25-20, 25-17 victory over Akari Power Chargers on Saturday night at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.
The Crossovers find themselves in a four-way tie at the top of the standings along with the Petro Gazz Angels, the Creamline Cool Smashers, and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, with an 8-2 win-loss slate.
Chery Tiggo’s victory likewise officially booted out the Cignal HD Spikers (6-4) from the Final Four contention with the PLDT High Speed Hitters (7-3) as the last remaining threat to the Crossovers’ semis bid.
Eya Laure top-scored for Chery Tiggo with 14 points, while Victorinara Galang churned out a nine-point game, and Mylene Paat, EJ Laure, Cza Carandang, and Abigail Maraño all ended with seven points each.
“We have been working together diligently — studying and reviewing our performances and our opponents — and training rigorously,” the Ilongga Maraño said in a post-game interview.
“I’m grateful to my teammates for their unwavering dedication and commitment. They exhibit exceptional discipline, and that’s crucial. It all starts from within us—we believe in ourselves and remain focused,” she added.
Ezra Madrigal led the Power Chargers with 10 points, including three kill blocks; Erika Raagas finished with eight markers; and Fifi Sharma added six points as they dropped to a 4-6 record.
The Angels, meanwhile, surged closer to clinching a semifinal seat after a 25-7, 25-21, 25-17 triumph over also-ran Galeries Tower Highrisers, which dropped to 3-7 win-loss mark.
“Pinaghahandaan namin bawat laro,” said Negrense Jonah Sabete, who emerged Player of the Game with 11 points, including seven on attacks and two blocks and two service aces.
Brooke Van Sickle led Petro Gazz’s charge with 17 points while Remy Palma, Marian Buitre, Myla Pablo, Ilongga Aiza Pontillas and Nicole Tiamzon contributed seven, six, five and four points, respectively./PN
