Chery Tiggo is building up for its title run. —PVL IMAGES
Chery Tiggo showed it knows how to turn up the intensity when the stakes are highest.
The Crossovers dismantled the once-surging Nxled Chameleons, 25-17, 25-15, 25-20, on Saturday at Philsports Arena to seal a semifinal spot in the PVL On Tour and secure a berth in the upcoming Invitational Conference.
Drawing from the composure and precision that fueled their 2021 championship run, the Crossovers never allowed Nxled to find its footing. Mary Rhose Dapol’s late hit punctuated the one-hour, 25-minute sweep.
Breaking from the usual spotlight on scorers, libero Karen Verdeflor stood out with 16 excellent digs at 55 percent efficiency, neutralizing Nxled’s offense.
“This win is a huge energy and confidence booster for us heading into the semifinals,” she said. “We just follow the plays and game plan of our coaches.”
Verdeflor credited the team’s calm approach in the high-stakes match. “All of us stayed composed,” she said.
Looking ahead to their knockout duel against Cignal, she promised focus and commitment: “It depends on the coaches, it depends on the game plan—but we will give our best. We’re going all the way to the Finals.”
Cess Robles led the balanced offense with 12 points, while Ara Galang and rookie Renee Peñafiel added 11 each. Middle blocker Imee Hernandez chipped in 10.
Chery Tiggo outgunned Nxled in attacks, 50-33, edged them in blocks, 6-4, and turned 15 opponent errors into points while committing just 11 miscues.
Nxled’s EJ Laure scored 13 points and Jovelyn Fernandez had 10, but standout rookie Lyann De Guzman was limited to six after entering in the latter sets.
With momentum on their side, the Crossovers face Cignal in the semifinals, aiming to carry their playoff form into a push for the title.