Chery Tiggo EV ended its run of near misses with a commanding straight-set victory, dismantling Galeries Tower, 25-9, 25-16, 25-23, in the PVL Reinforced Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Thursday, October 23.

The Crossovers displayed renewed composure, especially in the third set when the Highrisers tied the game at 23. Instead of faltering, Pauline Gaston broke through the block before Shaya Adorador sealed the win with an off-the-block hit — two clutch moments that highlighted Chery Tiggo’s regained poise and teamwork.

In contrast, Galeries Tower faltered in crucial sequences, unable to convert on their offensive setups as Chery Tiggo’s defense stayed sharp. The 82-minute match gave the Crossovers their long-awaited first win after three narrow losses earlier in the conference.

Gaston, Batista lead Chery Tiggo breakthrough

Gaston earned Best Player of the Game honors with 10 points, including two blocks, while Yuni Batista powered the offense with 20 points — far outscoring Galeries import Jelene Cvijovic, who managed only six. Ara Galang chipped in 11 markers, with Cess Robles, Mylene Paat, and Adorador contributing timely hits.

“We really polished everything. It wasn’t easy, but we showed what we’ve been working on,” Gaston said. “There’s still a lot to fix, but we’re committed to staying together and playing as one.”

The victory served as a morale booster for Chery Tiggo, which previously lost close matches to ZUS Coffee, Akari, and Petro Gazz — all winnable games that slipped away in the closing sets. This time, the Crossovers finished strong.

“Masaya ako sa team, especially sa third set dahil bumalik ‘yung character na kailangan naming kumapit at tapusin ‘yung laro,” said head coach Norman Miguel. “I think ‘yun ‘yung wala nung first three games namin, especially against Akari and Petro Gazz na para sa akin ay kaya naming ipanalo.”

Chery Tiggo finds rhythm ahead of tougher stretch

From the opening serve, Chery Tiggo controlled the tempo on both ends. The Crossovers’ attack was more fluid, their blocking sharper, and their floor defense tighter. They outgunned Galeries Tower in attacks, 50–34, and had five blocks to three. Galeries managed three aces, while Chery Tiggo had none, but the latter’s consistency proved decisive.

Cvijovic struggled against her former team, while Dim Pacres and Ivy Perez led Galeries Tower with seven points each. Roselle Baliton, France Ronquiloo, and Jean Asis also scored six apiece, but their efforts fell short against Chery Tiggo’s balanced offense.

The win lifted Chery Tiggo to 1-3, giving them a crucial confidence boost heading into their Oct. 28 clash with powerhouse Creamline. For a squad that had been searching for its finishing touch, the result showed signs of a turnaround.

Galeries Tower, meanwhile, dropped to 0-4 and continues to search for answers in its debut PVL season.