MANILA – Chery Tiggo Crossovers handed Petro Gazz Angels their first defeat in the PVL All-Filipino Conference with a 25-15, 27-25, 18-25, and 25-23 beating on Saturday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Not only did the Crossovers stop the Angels’ winning run, but they tied their victims and the PLDT High Speed Hitters, which came from a 25-8, 25-9, and 25-17 victory over the Quezon City Gerflor Defenders earlier in the day, in second place at 4-1.
Eya Laure exploded for 21 points with 15 attacks, four aces, and two kill blocks, while Ilonggas Ma. Shaya Adorador and Princess Robles contributed 14 and 10 markers, respectively, for the Crossovers.
“We really prepared for Petro Gazz. But they did work hard, especially in the second set, which was very crucial since we won in come-from-behind fashion,” said Chery Tiggo assistant coach Brian Esquibel.
“It’s also about the team’s camaraderie, kasi nagtulong-tulong silang lahat hanggang sa huli,” added Esquibel, who called the shots for the Crossovers in lieu of head coach Aaron Velez.
Ilongga Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Grethcel Soltones top-scored for the Angels with 14 markers apiece, while Ranya Musa and Negrense Jonah Sabete contributed 10 markers apiece.
Meanwhile, Cignal HD Spikers overcame a tough challenge from Farm Fresh Foxies before they pulled off a tight 25-23, 23-25, 25-20, 25-17 victory as they improved to 3-2 slate.
Frances Molina, who led the HD Spikers in scoring with 20 points, admitted that they were challenged heavily by the youth-laden Foxies and they were glad to come out as the winner.
“They’re young and aggressive,” Molina said of the Foxies. “Malaki ang potential ng mga bata. They also have a good system, kaya maganda and ipinapakita nila in their matches.”
“Hindi naman kami nagpakampante sa nilaro namin. But we could’ve done better, and we really need to work harder pa sa mga practices namin,” added the former San Beda standout./PN
