Chery Tiggo overcame a gritty and weary Akari side in a dramatic five-set duel, carving out a 24-26, 25-19, 25-16, 23-25, 15-10 victory in the PVL On Tour on Sunday, July 6, at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.

With fresher legs and a deeper bench, the Crossovers displayed outstanding poise and resilience, surviving a late Akari stand and unleashing a strong finishing burst in the fifth set to clinch their second straight win in the preseason tournament. The victory kept Chery Tiggo undefeated, right behind early leader Cignal (3-0).

Robles leads veterans as rookies deliver in the clutch

Cess Robles was in her element, leading all scorers with 23 points on 21 attacks and two blocks while also contributing 15 excellent digs and 10 receptions. But the Crossovers’ victory was not just a veteran showcase—it was powered by timely efforts from rising stars Jyne Soreño and Renee Peñafiel.

Soreño, who briefly exited in Set 3 due to cramps, returned with fire, scoring the final two points of the match with a down-the-line kill and a net-kissing service ace. Peñafiel added 12 points and eight receptions, stepping up during critical moments when Chery Tiggo’s top guns were rotating out.

Setter Jasmine Nabor engineered the offense with 28 excellent sets and five points, including a smart dump play that ignited their 11-4 closing run in the fifth frame. Imee Hernandez contributed eight markers, while Ara Galang chipped in five in her return.

Chargers falter despite strong block game

Akari showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in their fourth-set stand where they built a 23-18 lead. Camille Victoria’s key block and Grethcel Soltones’ clutch hit forced a decider. However, their bid unraveled with costly errors in the fifth set, including attack miscues and a net violation.

Despite leading in blocks (14-5) and nearly matching Chery Tiggo in attacks (56-59), Akari committed a staggering 41 unforced errors—almost double Chery Tiggo’s 21—ultimately dooming their chances.

Ivy Lacsina led Akari with 18 points, Eli Soyud had 17, and Ced Domingo added 12. Soltones, coming off a 23-point game against ZUS Coffee, was limited to seven. Rookie Chenie Tagaod also tallied seven, while Ezra Madrigal and Victoria combined for 11.

Fatigue a factor after back-to-back matches

Playing just a day after a taxing five-set win over ZUS Coffee, the Chargers visibly wore down late in the match. Despite their effort, Akari dropped to 1-3 in the standings.

Coach Norman Miguel’s timeout reminder midway through the fourth set—“Guys, pagod na ang mga kalaban”—proved prophetic. The Crossovers pounced on their opponents’ fatigue with relentless defense, smart plays, and clutch execution.

Chery Tiggo’s unbeaten run continues, with their blend of veteran leadership and fearless youth proving too much for a tired Akari squad in a pulsating match that lasted two hours and 10 minutes.