Eya Laure and the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Eya Laure brought back Chery Tiggo to its winning ways after dominating the winless Gerflor, 25-8, 25-12, 25-20, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at FilOIl EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Following the Crossovers’ first loss of the tournament to Akari last week in Antipolo, Laure made sure to bounce back and poured 12 points on 11-of-21 attacking clip and an ace to help sweep the Defenders in just 71 minutes.
“Our loss won’t define us. We kept working and moving forward,” said Laure in Filipino, referring to their 20-25, 25-18, 22-25, 20-25 loss to Akari.
“We had a chance to reflect during the one-week gap. And our coaches helped us bounce back and work on our lapses in the game,” she added.
Cess Robles provided the spark from the bench as she delivered nine points and six digs for Chery Tiggo. Imee Hernandez chipped in seven points including three aces, while setter Jasmine Nabor had six excellent sets and scored six markers from a team-high four blocks.
Chery Tiggo’s Cess Robles. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Backup Joyme Caganda also shone with seven excellent sets. At the same time, libero Jen Nierva protected the floor with 11 digs and eight excellent receptions for the Crossovers, who improved to a 3-1 record tied with Akari at No.3.
Chery Tiggo coach Aaron Velez lauded his bench players Cza Carandang, France Ronquillo, and Jaila Atienza as everyone from his team contributed.
“I know my players will make the best out of it whenever they are given an opportunity in life or in playing. Because you’ll never know when it’s going to give you that opportunity. What they delivered earlier, it’s really more of their experience and hopefully, they will gain from it,” Velez said in Filipino.
Gerflor put up a gallant stand in the third set as Danika Gendrauli scored back-to-back kills to tie the frame at 14-all. Atienza restored the order for Chery Tiggo by scoring three consecutive hits for a 17-15 lead before stretching their advantage to 22-17.
The Crossovers committed errors that allowed the Defenders to trim it to just two, 22-20 before Shaya Adorador closed out the game with two consecutive blocks.
Gerflor remained winless in four games with no one scoring in double figures. Jenette Villareal and Jenny Gaviola led their team with six and five points, respectively.
Chery Tiggo battles unbeaten Petro Gazz (3-0) on Saturday at PhilSports Arena at 6 p.m., after Gerflor’s 4 p.m. game against PLDT (2-1).