MANILA – Chery Tiggo Crossovers overcame slow starts in each of three sets to score a 26-24, 25-20, 26-24 triumph over Cignal HD Spikers in the PVL 1st All-Filipino Conference on Thursday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Ejiya “Eya” Laure spearheaded the offense with 16 points, built on 11 attacks, three service aces, and two blocks, as the Crossovers tied the Creamline Cool Smashers and the Petro Gazz Angels in second place with a 6-2 win-loss slate.
Ennajie Laure chipped in 13 points, Victorinara Galang also ended up with 11 markers, while Czarina Carandang, Abigail Maraño, and Mylene Paat added eight, six, and five points, respectively.
After come-from-behind wins in the first two sets, the Crossovers played catch-up anew in the third set as they trailed 8-12, before Laure anchored their fight back to take a 21-19 advantage.
The HD Spikers, however, made their last push as they forced several deadlocks, including at 24-24, before Ennajie and Eya unloaded back-to-back attacks to secure their fourth straight win.
“Sabi nga ni (Chery Tiggo head) coach Kung Fu (Reyes), ‘Lahat ng panalo ay pinaghihirapan.’ Kaya ‘yun ang ipinakita namin this game,” said Laure, who was named Player of the Game.
Frances Xinia Molina top-scored for the HD Spikers with 16 points, Guimarasnon Jovelyn Gonzaga added eight points, while Vanessa Gandler, Marivic Meneses and Gel Cayuna finished with six points apiece as they dropped to 5-3 record.
Meanwhile, Akari Power Chargers remained in contention for a semifinal seat after a 25-17, 25-14, 25-20 straight-set beating of the also-ran Capital1 Solar Energy Solar Spikers.
Dindin Santiago-Manabat spearheaded the offense with 25 points on 20 attacks, three blocks, and two service aces, as the Power Chargers improved their record to 4-5 for the seventh spot.
Grethcel Soltones contributed nine points, 14 excellent digs, and nine excellent receptions, while Faith Nisperos and Ezra Madrigal had eight points apiece for the Power Chargers./PN
