Reserves help Chery Tiggo break into win column  

MANILA, Philippines — Seldom-used Alina Bicar and Cza Carandang made the most out of their chances and helped power Chery Tiggo to its first win in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational at the expense of Petro Gazz, 25-22, 25-14, 25-21, yesterday at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.

Bicar filled in for starting setter Jasmine Nabor and unleashed 13 excellent sets and five points while Carandang fired away with 11 power hits to hand the Crossovers their first win in four starts.

The pair of heroines was a breath of fresh air for a Chery Tiggo side that started the tournament with its inspirational leader Dindin Manabat absent due to a sprained ankle she sustained just days before the start of the foreign teams-laced conference.

Some players also missed action due to various health issues.

But Bicar and Carandang stepped up to the plate and delivered key performances.

“We just need to help each other and keep on fighting,” said Bicar, a key new addition for Chery Tiggo after her stints with Bali Pure a conference back.

Shaya Adorador, EJ Laure and Mylene Paat likewise came through with 15, 13 and 12 hits, respectively.

While Chery Tiggo celebrated its first win, Petro Gazz suffered a fourth loss in a row that may have sealed its semifinal fate.

In the other game, Cignal eked out a masterful 25-21, 26-24, 14-25, 25-22 victory over fancied Creamline to stay unbeaten with four wins atop the heap. The Cool Smashers fell to 2-1.