By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Chery Tiggo Pro Crossovers’ redemption tour is still on full display after outlasting the Akari Chargers in five grueling sets, 23-25, 25-21, 21-25, 25-21, 15-6, to extend their winning streak to three in the ongoing 2022 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference.
Chery Tiggo survived a stellar performance from Akari’s veteran import Prisilla Rivera who dropped 30 big points in the losing effort.
After letting go of the tight first set, the Pro Crossovers were quick to find their offensive rhythm and were more alert with their floor defense.
The match turned into a see-saw battle as Akari countered with a win in the third set thanks to Rivera’s timely attacks that all came in the last five possessions.
When Chery Tiggo needed a lift, Montenegrin import Jelena Cvijovic answered the call and led the Crossovers’ onslaught in the fourth set.
After a slow start, Cvijovic’s offensive eruption helped Chery Tiggo pick up their momentum and spoiled Akari with a 3-1 win.
“Talagang slow start kami. More on boosting lang ng morale nila and positive lang yung sinasabi namin na kaya natin igalaw lang natin kung ano ang dapat nating igalaw,” said Chery Tiggo coach Clarence Esteban.
It was then all Chery Tiggo in the fifth and deciding set after opening up an 8-2 lead courtesy of Shaya Adorador’s clutch points off the bench.
Adorador stepped up for the Pro Crossovers when coach Esteban decided to bring her in for some energy and proved her worth with the game-sealing points in the last set.
Mylene Paat led Chery Tiggo with 19 points built from 17 successful attacks while Cza Carandang continued her solid play and added 18 points.
Cvijovic wrapped up the win with another all-around efficient performance and tallied 16 points built from 14 successful attacks and 13 excellent receptions.
