By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Ilongga pro volleyball player Princess Robles had her best outing so far in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on November 26, 2024.
The former member of the Central Philippine University (CPU) women’s volleyball program and the pride of Arevalo, Iloilo City led the charge for the Chery Tiggo Crossovers against the NXLED Chameleons, 26-24, 25-15, 25-18, and helped her club bounce back from a loss against the Cignal HD Spikers.
Robles set the tone for the Crossovers after scoring consecutive points including three straight off-spin spikes that caught the NXLED defense off guard.
When the Chameleons threatened to spoil Chery Tiggo’s early lead when they stormed back from a seven-point deficit, it was Robles who scored a crucial point which led to a nail-biting first-set victory.
After the momentum-boosting win in the opener, the Crossovers just steamrolled their way and didn’t give any room to breathe for the Chameleons.
Robles was outstanding on both ends of the floor but it was her scoring prowess that stood out, top-scoring Chery Tiggo with 15 big points.
It was also an efficient outing for the Ilongga as she derived 12 successful attacks alongside eight excellent digs and six excellent receptions.
Backstopping Robles is Chery Tiggo’s team captain, the ever-reliable Aby Maraño who tallied 11 markers built from eight successful attacks, two service aces, and a block.
Aside from the duo of Robles and Maraño, the Crossovers also received valuable contributions from veteran outside hitter Ara Galang and Alina Bicar.
On the other hand, the Chameleons once again failed to clinch their first-ever win in the All-Filipino Conference and are yet to pick up a dub in three matches.
It was only Chiara Permentilla who stood out for NXLED against the Crossovers as the young spiker led them with 12 markers and 10 excellent digs.
Chery Tiggo will look to score a winning streak on December 3, 2024, as they take on the PLDT High-Speed Hitters in the first game of the scheduled doubleheader.
