EV Crossovers end skid, ram past Highrisers in 3

Games tomorrow, Oct. 25, 2025
Ynares Center Montalban
1:30 p.m. – Nxled vs. Cignal
4 p.m. – PLDT vs. Farm Fresh
6:30 p.m. – Galeries Tower vs. Akari

Chery Tiggo, reeling from a frustrating string of near-misses, finally broke through with a resounding straight-set victory, dismantling Galeries Tower, 25–9, 25–16, 25–23, in the PVL Reinforced Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Thursday.

While the third set turned out to be the only tight stretch of the match, the Crossovers displayed composure that had eluded them in previous outings. Even when the Highrisers managed to tie the count at 23 on Jean Asis’ runner, Chery Tiggo didn’t flinch.

Pauline Gaston powered through a single block and Shaya Adorador sealed the deal with an off-the-block hit — two clutch plays that underscored the Crossovers’ regained poise under pressure.

In contrast, the Highrisers failed to capitalize on a couple of offensive thrusts, both of which were excellently dug and defended by the Crossovers. Those two crucial points ultimately sealed the one-hour, 22-minute showdown between the winless squads.

Gaston, who scored 10 points, including two blocks, earned Best Player of the Game honors. Her post-match remarks reflected the team’s renewed sense of purpose and unity despite their rocky start to the year-ending conference organized by Sports Vision and backed by ICTSI, Milcu, Mikasa and Fabriano.

“We really polished everything. It wasn’t easy, but we showed what we’ve been working on,” said Gaston. “There’s still a lot to fix, but we’re committed to staying together and playing as one.”

Import Yuni Batista dominated her counterpart Jelene Cvijovic, erupting for 20 points against the Galeries Tower reinforcement’s meager six. Ara Galang provided solid support with 11 points, while Cess Robles chipped in five and Mylene Paat and Shaya Adorador added three apiece.

For Chery Tiggo, this win was more than just a number in the standings — it was a boost. The Crossovers entered the match winless in three games, all of which could’ve gone either way. They dropped a four-setter to the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, lost a tight five-setter to the Akari Chargers, and succumbed to Petro Gazz in another winnable encounter. Each loss underscored their potential but also their struggle to finish strong.

Against Galeries Tower, that narrative finally shifted.

“Masaya ako sa team, especially sa third set dahil bumalik yung character na kailangan naming kumapit at tapusin yung laro,” said Chery Tiggo head coach Norman Miguel.

“I think yun yung wala nung first three games namin, especially against Akari and Petro Gazz na para sa akin ay kaya naming ipanalo,” he added.

From the opening serve, Chery Tiggo asserted its superiority on both ends. The Crossovers’ offense flowed with renewed rhythm, while their defense effectively stifled the Highrisers’ attacks. The first set’s 16-point result set the tone, and even as the match progressed, the Crossovers maintained control, blending sharp attacks with disciplined floor coverage.

Their statistical dominance reflected that control — Chery Tiggo outgunned Galeries Tower in attacks, 50–34, and controlled the net with five blocks to three. The Highrisers, however, managed three aces, while the Crossovers had none.

With Cvijovic, a former Chery Tiggo import, continuing to struggle, Dim Pacres and Ivy Perez led Galeries Tower with seven points each, while Roselle Baliton, France Ronquiloo and Asis matched their import’s output.

The victory not only put Chery Tiggo in the win column at 1-3 but also injected much-needed confidence into a squad that had been struggling to close out matches. The Crossovers’ combination of veteran steadiness and emerging chemistry hints that this could be the start of a resurgence — especially with key contributors like Gaston and Adorador finding their rhythm alongside their reinforcements.

Now, the true test looms. Chery Tiggo will face powerhouse Creamline next on Oct. 28 — a matchup that could define whether this breakthrough marks a turning point or just a temporary reprieve. For the PVL on Tour runners-up, though, this win was proof that their system still works and their potential remains very much alive.

Galeries Tower, meanwhile, slipped to 0-4.