By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Chery Tiggo survived Farm Fresh’s hot start on its way to posting a 29-27, 15-25, 25-22, 25-21 victory on Tuesday, March 11, to book a quarterfinals berth in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Ara Galang and Shaya Adorador sparkled for the Crossovers by challenging the Foxies’ defense, flashing their vintage form on their way to clinching their second consecutive win in this play-in tournament for the remaining two quarters tickets.
The victory, along with their three-set triumph over Nxled last Thursday, March 6, was enough for Chery Tiggo to claim the seventh quarters berth and arrange a best-of-three quarters meeting with defending champion Creamline.
Galang became the Crossovers’ spark plug, exploding in all departments by firing 16 kills, three blocks and one ace to finish with 20 points.
Adorador was equally impressive, nailing 18 points built on 16 attacks including a block on Trisha Tubu and an off-the-block spike that sealed the win for Chery Tiggo.
Farm Fresh maintained its hot start after failing to close out the tight opening set in their favor, dominating the second frame behind the efforts of Tubu, Jolina Dela Cruz and Rizza Cruz.
The Foxies held their charge in the third and kept the game close, but lost its steam after the Crossovers scored five straight points to turn a 19-21 deficit to a 24-21 lead that set the tone even until the fourth.
Ces Robles also shone for Chery Tiggo with 13 points and 13 digs, even as Alina Bicar managed 17 of the team’s 24 excellent sets.
Tubu pumped in 22 points, while Dela Cruz, Cruz, and Lorene Toring chipped in 12 points apiece for Farm Fresh, but their efforts went futile.
