Crossovers knock out High Speed Hitters

MANILA, Philippines — Chery Tiggo showed nerves of steel in a tight, tight duel with PLDT, slamming the semifinals door shut on the High Speed Hitters with a 25-20, 18-25, 22-25, 25-16, 18-16 victory in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the MOA Arena yesterday.

Like Chery Tiggo, Creamline built momentum going to the semis with a 15-25, 25-20, 25-20, 28-26 win over the Odina Aliyeva-less Choco Mucho team in a game played before 19,117 fans later in the night.

In a virtual eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation, the Crossovers didn’t blink and fought off two match points to close out their elims stint with six wins against two losses.

“We just kept telling ourselves that we need to show fighting spirit, which was what happened in this game,” said Chery Tiggo team captain Mylene Paat, who fired 23 points including 20 kills.

Paat and her teammates fought hard for each point, eliminating the High Speed Hitters in handing them a fifth loss in eight games.

While Paat did most of the scoring, Jelena Cvijovic did the rest as she unloaded 20 hits including 17 off attacks and two on blocks and also came through with a match-best 21 excellent receptions.

“This is what’s special about this team, we’re not too reliant on our import. All the local players I put in can contribute and ready to play,” said Chery Tiggo coach Clarence Esteban.

And Chery Tiggo did it minus one of its leaders in Dindin Manabat who’s observing health and safety protocols.