Chery Tiggo bolstered its semis bid, snapping a three-game losing streak after eliminating Choco Mucho, 25-21, 25-19, 25-19 in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Crossovers were led by Mylene Paat's 25-point explosion on 22 attacks, two aces, and a block in just three sets. Pauline Gaston also had a triple-double of 12 points, 19 excellent digs, and 14 excellent receptions, while Cza Carandang added 12 points, and Shaya Adorador chipped in 10 points.
Gaston stepped up in place of EJ Laure, who was not in the lineup against the Flying Titans. The Crossovers head coach, Aaron Velez, praised his players for sticking to the game plan despite facing several challenges.
“Again, I just want to keep on thanking the Lord for guiding us. Secondly, I just want to congratulate the ladies, they poured their heart out, they trusted one another, and then we [stuck by the game plan],” said Velez.
Chery Tiggo controlled the game from the start, taking the first two sets before breaking a 9-all deadlock in the third frame with a 5-1 rally led by Paat and Carandang. The Flying Titans attempted to mount a comeback, but the Crossovers pulled away for a 25-19 victory and a sweep.
Despite the loss, the Flying Titans' Kat Tolentino still managed to score 16 points, while Isa Molde contributed eight markers, 16 excellent digs, and nine excellent receptions.
Choco Mucho needed to win the game in three or four sets to keep their semifinals hopes alive, but they were eliminated from the race after the second set. Their max possible points were nine, which were not enough to secure them a spot in the top four.
The victory puts Chery Tiggo in a good position for the semifinals as they prepare to face the already-semifinals-bound Petro Gazz on Tuesday, 4:00 PM, at the San Agustin Gymnasium in Iloilo City.
