PVL: Alina Bicar, Chery Tiggo determined to make final push for semis berth

Chery Tiggo’s Alina Bicar in the PVL Invitationals. –PVL PHOTO

STA. Rosa, Laguna — After Chery Tiggo kept its semifinal hopes alive, Alina Bicar insisted that her team is only getting started as Crossovers try to make a final push in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference.

Bicar, who missed the first two games due to health and safety protocols, shone in her first start for the Crossovers to keep themselves in the semis hunt after eliminating Petro Gazz, 25-22, 25-14, 25-21, on Thursday at Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.

Chery Tiggo’s backup playmaker said their team is eager to make a last push for the next round, seeking to rise from a 1-3 record and win their last two games now that their roster is almost complete with her return along with EJ Laure, Justine Dorog, and Buding Duremdes.

Dindin Santiago-Manabat has yet to return as she recovers from a Grade 3 ankle sprain.

“We’re super happy and overwhelmed that we’re now almost complete,” said Bicar in Filipino after starting for the main setter Jasmine Nabor. “We’re just getting started and we will bounce back in our upcoming games.”

The former University of Santo Tomas stalwart, who transferred to Chery Tiggo from BaliPure before the midseason tournament, was a revelation, dishing out 13 excellent sets as four Crossovers scored in double figures, led by Shaya Adorador, and also tallied 11 digs and five points.

“Coach (Clarence Esteban) always tells us to stay ready. Whoever gets an opportunity from us can deliver because that’s what we’re trained for,” Bicar said.

After finally entering the win column, Chery Tiggo is facing a challenging last two games, taking on Army Black Mamba (2-1) on Tuesday and Creamline (2-1) on Thursday next week.

“It doesn’t end [with one win]. We will keep on fighting until the end,” Bicar said.