Crossovers cream Flying Titans for second finals berth

Jaja Santiago squeezes in a point off Maddie Madayag’s single block. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

ILOCOS NORTE—Chery Tiggo carved out a straight-sets victory over Choco Mucho on Tuesday, but it was one borne out of steady play and relentless resolve as the Crossovers got a crack at Creamline in the first-ever title series of the Premier Volleyball League Open (PVL) Conference.

The Crossovers played a lot steadier in a 25-16, 26-24, 25-23 victory over the Flying Titans that sealed a crack at the title with the Cool Smashers starting on Wednesday.

Chery Tiggo never dropped a set in the last two games of their best-of-three semifinal series with the Flying Titans, but that doesn’t mean it was easygoing for the Crossovers.

They also blew a 15-11 lead in the third as the Flying Titans scored seven unanswered points to regain control, only to crack in the face of the Crossovers’ fiery comeback, setting up the scrambling finish that went Chery Tiggo’s way.

The Crossovers closed out the pressure-packed duel with grace behind seasoned Dindin Manabat and Mylene Paat, while pouncing on the Flying Titans’ miscues at endgame, including a botched defense on a rather straightforward Shaya Adorador hit.

Chery Tiggo and Creamline thus face off in Game One of the best-of-three finals at 5 p.m., with Choco Mucho and Petro Gazz disputing third place at 2 p.m.

“We just have to be confident, count our blessings and, at the same time, fight for what we believe in,” said Chery Tiggo coach Aaron Velez, whose charges dealt the Cool Smashers’ only loss via a four-setter in the eliminations on July 30.

But Creamline has recovered from that setback since, sweeping their last three games to clinch the top seeding, then easing out the Petro Gazz Angels in two games.

Chery Tiggo, which lost in three sets to Choco Mucho in their series opener last Sunday, thus stayed on track to winning the inaugural pro volley crown in its very first foray in the PVL.

Jaja Santiago, scoring heavily on quick plays off Jasmine Nabor and Gyzelle Sy’s feeds, top-scored with 17 points