MANILA, Philippines – The 2022 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference was won by Chery Tiggo on Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig. Chery Tiggo’s victory came by scores of 23 to 25, 25 to 21, 21 to 25, 25 to 21, and 15 to 6. Akari gave her a fright early on, but she overcame it to win the conference.

The Crossovers’ first-set rally was unsuccessful, but with the help of Mylene Paat, EJ Laure, and Cza Carandang, they were able to mount a successful rally in the second set and tie the match at 25 to 21.

Prisilla Rivera, Janine Marciano, and a third-quarter score of 25 to 21 helped the Chargers retake the lead, though. Then, with a strong start to the fourth canto, Chery Tiggo battled back to square the match at 25 to 21 and force a decision.

And the Crossovers won with a score of 15 to 6 in the last round, dominating as they stormed out to an 8 to 2 advantage, including four due to Montenegrin immigrant Jelena Cvijovic.

Since we got off to a sluggish start, Clarence Esteban, the Chery Tiggo coach, suggested that we focus more on raising the team’s morale. “Sinasabi namin na kaya natin, igalaw naman natin ‘yung dapat nating igalaw, [we said that we can do this, we will move whatever we need to]” Esteban stated.

Paat led the squad with 19 points and assisted four other Crossovers in scoring in double digits. There were times when Paat and Rivera shared the same space.

With 16 points and 13 outstanding catches, Cvijovic enjoyed her finest game of the season, and Carandang chipped in with 18 points and two aces.

Nag-eexert kasi talaga siya (Cvijovic) ng effort, talagang kita naman na gustong-gusto niya bumawi,’ When asked about her reinforcement, who had scored just six and 12 points in their first two outings, Esteban said, “Talagang lumalapit siya sa akin kung anong dapat niyang gawin at anong gusto kong gawin para sa kanya. [She really came to me to do what she needs to and what I what to do with her]”

Laure produced 14 points and 12 digs to the match that sent Chery Tiggo into sole first place at 3 to 0 while the Chargers slipped to 1 to 2, tied for eighth with F2 Logistics.

A triple-double was recorded by Marciano with 24 points, 18 digs, and 14 clutch receptions. Rivera led Akari with 30 points on 29 attacks.

The Chargers won’t have much time to recuperate because their game versus Petro Gazz is set for Saturday at 2:30 pm at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.

The Crossovers will perform Choco Mucho on Tuesday at the same location in Pasig.