CHERY Tiggo fought tooth-and-nail to win a five-set thriller against F2 Logistics, 27-25, 11-25, 17-25, 25-22, 15-10, on Saturday and claim the third semifinal set in the 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena.
Mylene Paat and Eya Laure combined for 40 points fueled the Crossovers' second straight comeback from two sets to one down — this time, to enter the Final Four for the first time since the 2022 Reinforced Conference.
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Chery Tiggo (8-1) joins Choco Mucho (8-1) and Creamline (8-0) in the playoffs, leaving one spot left in the playoffs.
Petro Gazz knocked Akari out of the semifinal race with a tough 25-18, 17-25, 25-22, 32-30 victory in the day's second game.
"Ito na yung character na bini-build namin, yung never-say-die attitude. Hanggang sa dulo, lalaban kami. But it’s also about team effort," said Chery Tiggo deputy coach Kungfu Reyes.
"The pressure was on us since F2 Logistics has nothing to lose. Naniwala lang ako sa mga teammates ko at nakahanda naman kami sa kahit anong ibigay ng F2,” said Jen Nierva, who had an outstanding defensive display with 27 digs and 21 receptions.
With the Crossovers down by a set and on the cusp of defeat, Laure carried her team on her shoulders — both on offense and defense — with 16 digs and 12 receptions.
Brilliant outings from Ara Galang (22 points), Ivy Lacsina (19 points), and Dawn Macandili (33 digs and 23 receptions) went for naught as F2 Logistics slipped to 4-6 — good for solo eighth place with one prelims match left.
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