By Adrian Stewart Co
Chery Tiggo Crossovers rammed over the PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters in straight sets, 25-20, 25-17, 25-6, at the start of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Open Conference on Saturday at the PCV Socio-Civic Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.
Led by siblings Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Jaja Santiago and Joy Dacoron, the Crossovers also pounced on Power Hitters’ series of unforced errors on their way to an easy sweep.
Dacoron spearheaded the offense of Crossovers with 13 points, Santiago-Manabat tallied 12 points, built on 10 attacks, a block, and an ace while Santiago contributed 11 markers on seven attacks and four service aces.
After a tighter first set victory, the Crossovers started strong in the second set behind Dacoron for a 19-12 lead before Arianna Layug scored on two straight hits and PLDT yielded another point on an unforced error.
From a 10-5 count in the third set, the Crossovers ran off 13 straight points as the Power Hitters scrambled for hits that never saw their targets before Negrense Kath Villegas broke the scoring slump on a quick play.
Maria Lina Molde led PLDT with nine hits, Negrense Christine Joy Soyud backed her up with seven for the Power Hitters, which ended up with 20 miscues, five more than the winning side.
Creamline Cool Smashers likewise posted a win over Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors in the second game, 25-18, 25-20, 25-27, 25-18, behind solid showings by Michelle Gumabao and Alyssa Valdez.
After failing to close out the Lady Realtors in the third set, Gumabao spearheaded the Cool Smashers’ offense in the fourth set with consecutive attack points to build an 18-9 advantage.
The Lady Realtors managed to trim the deficit to 16-22 behind points by Marjana Philips but the Cool Smashers went for the kill with Gumabao drilling back-to-back hits before Jeanette Panaga secured the win with a running attack.
Gumabao led the Cool Smashers with double-double 24 points, on 21 attacks, two service aces and a block, to go with 15 excellent digs, while Valdez chipped in 20 points, built on 17 attacks and three blocks./ASC, WDJ