Chery Tiggo stormed back into contention in the 2025 PVL Invitational with a statement win, stunning the Creamline Cool Smashers in a five-set classic, 25-20, 24-26, 21-25, 25-17, 17-15, before a roaring weekend crowd at the Philsports Arena in Pasig, on Saturday, August 23.

The Crossovers erased a 1-2 set deficit and a 2-6 hole in the deciding frame, showcasing grit, composure, and late-game toughness in a marathon that lasted two hours and 25 minutes.

Rookie Peñafiel shines in the clutch

Rookie spiker Renee Peñafiel delivered the breakout game of her career, exploding for 18 points on three aces and three blocks. Her most crucial stop came at 15-all in the fifth set, when she denied a Michele Gumabao attack to give Chery Tiggo match point.

Although Gumabao saved it momentarily, her next serve sailed long, sealing Creamline’s fate.

“Very grateful and happy at talagang nilaban namin. Yung last game namin, hindi kami ‘yun – kaya kailangan naming bumawi,” said Peñafiel, who was named Best Player of the Game.

Ara Galang paced Chery Tiggo with 20 points, while Cess Robles chipped in 16 along with 10 digs and 10 receptions in a solid all-around effort. Pauline Gaston added 10 points off the bench, steadying the Crossovers during the tense closing stretch. Middle blocker Cza Carandang scored five markers with timely quick hits.

Coach Norman Miguel’s tactical substitutions, particularly inserting Gaston and Jyne Soreno at crucial moments, proved pivotal in swinging momentum.

For Creamline, Jema Galanza poured in 23 points, while Michele Gumabao and Alyssa Valdez added 21 and 17, respectively. Despite the firepower, the Cool Smashers unraveled late, committing uncharacteristic errors that cost them in the clutch.

The defeat dropped Creamline to 1-2, complicating its semifinal hopes. Chery Tiggo, now 2-1, trails only unbeaten PLDT (3-0) and remains in the thick of the title race.

After Creamline grabbed a 2-1 set lead, Chery Tiggo roared back in the fourth, breaking away from a 7-all tie with a decisive scoring burst. Peñafiel and Gaston punctured Creamline’s net defense, while the Cool Smashers’ errors piled up.

From a commanding 20-12 lead, the Crossovers kept their composure despite a late rally from Creamline, forcing the decider where they sealed the emotional victory.