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Chery Tiggo overcomes Farm Fresh, advances to PVL quarterfinals
Chery Tiggo secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference after battling past a resilient Farm Fresh team in a hard-fought four-set match, 29-27, 15-25, 25-22, 25-21, at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday, March 12.
The Crossovers needed two hours and seven minutes to overcome the determined Foxies, who pushed them at every turn. However, Chery Tiggo’s experience and composure in crucial moments made the difference, setting up a best-of-three quarterfinal clash with reigning champions Creamline.
PHOTO COURTESY: PVL MEDIA BUREAU
“We’re happy because, although we had a setback in the second set, we still worked hard and pushed through in the following sets,” said Crossovers star Ara Galang, who led the team with 20 points from 16 attacks, three blocks, and an ace.
“You can also see how strong our team is in situations like that. It’s important that we continue to be tested because the quarterfinals won’t be easy,” added the La Salle product, earning the Best Player of the Game award.
Rachel Ann Daquis tried to extend the match to a fifth set with a late surge in the fourth, narrowing the deficit to 18-19.
However, Cess Robles and Shaya Adorador delivered in the clutch, leading Chery Tiggo to a strong finish and sealing the victory.
Adorador showcased a stellar all-around game, recording 18 markers, 13 digs, and 11 receptions, while Robles contributed 13 points, 13 digs, and nine receptions.
Alina Bicar efficiently ran Chery Tiggo’s offense, delivering 17 excellent sets.
Despite playing only in the last three sets, substitute middle blockers Seth Rodriguez and Aby Maraño made an impact with seven and five markers, respectively.
Farm Fresh’s balanced attack featured a 22-point performance from Trisha Tubu, while Jolina Dela Cruz, Rizza Cruz, and Lorene Toring each chipped in 12. However, they struggled in crucial moments, allowing Chery Tiggo to capitalize and secure the win.
Alyssa Bertolano fell just short of a triple-double, finishing with nine points, 23 receptions, and 13 digs. Libero Jheck Dionela did the heavy lifting with 25 excellent digs.
Farm Fresh looks to close out its campaign on a strong note against the Nxled Chameleons on Thursday, March 13.
