By NIKOLE JAVIER
Chery Tiggo found an antidote to Creamline’s superiority as it finally beat the three-peat seeking squad for the first time in five years, 25-18, 26-24, 25-23, in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Saturday, March 16, at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex.
The win was doubly sweet for the Crossovers as they did not only snap the defending champions’ 19-game winning streak but also dealt them their first sweep loss since 2019.
While three Crossovers finished in double figures with Eya Laure unloading 14 points in the massive upset win, it was Jen Nierva who came up huge after delivering 20 digs and 10 receptions to turn back the Cool Smashers’ mighty offensive force.
Cza Carandang and Ara Galang posted 12 and 10 points, respectively, in the balanced attack to give Chery Tiggo its third win in five outings in the season-opening conference.
It was also the Crossovers’ first taste of victory over the favorites since their 2021 Ilocos bubble championship showdown.
Reigning Second Best Outside Spiker Jema Galanza and Finals MVP Tots Carlos took turns for the Cool Smashers in the losing effort with 13 and 12 markers, respectively, which was a far cry from their usual offensive production.
Despite a tightly contested last two sets, Chery Tiggo hung tough until the match point to pull off the stunning victory.
