By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Chery Tiggo Pro Crossovers are off to a rousing start in the ongoing 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference after taking all three sets against Cignal, 27-25, 25-19, 25-22, last February 7, 2023, held at the Philsports Arena.
Chery Tiggo had to shake off early game jitters after nearly collapsing in the first set of action before grabbing their offensive rhythm courtesy of veteran Shaya Adorador.
The long-time Chery Tiggo player uncorked 16 points while also displaying stellar defensive possessions when she tallied 15 excellent digs.
It was Adorador’s timely scoring that lifted the Pro Crossovers during the heated nip-and-tuck affair in the first set.
After taking full momentum midway through the second set, the Pro Crossovers looked comfortable with their offensive schemes and cruised past Cignal to clinch a 2-0 lead.
Cignal started strong in the third set with hopes of pulling off a come-from-behind victory but national team spiker Mylene Paat iced the game with her clutch attacks.
The team captain of the Pro Crossovers backstopped Adorador with 15 points built from 13 successful attacks, a service ace, and a block.
“It’s really more about our composure and from the start yung preparation namin, sabi namin sa isa’t isa our teamwork will actually be our force. Our camaraderie, our communication should always be on point,” said Chery Tiggo head coach Aaron Velez.
The win also marked Chery Tiggo’s post-Dindin Santiago-Manabat era after the superstar spiker decided to part ways with the team and join the Akari Chargers.
Chery Tiggo will look to maintain their undefeated record when they test the arsenal of the Army-Black Mamba on February 11, 2023, to be held at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
