Eya Laure and the rest of the Chery Tiggo Crossovers did their homework as they handed Petro Gazz Angels their first defeat in the 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The Crossovers displayed their poise in a 25-15, 27-25, 18-25, 25-23 victory over the Gazz Angels at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday, November 4.
Laure paved the way for the victory with a game-high 21 points on 15 attacks, two blocks and four aces.
Petro Gazz entered the match having won 12 consecutive sets, but that spotless record was immediately tarnished by the Crossovers as they cruised to a 13-5 start in Set 1.
Chery Tiggo never looked back as they dismantled Petro Gazz for their first set loss in the tournament.
The second set was a different story. Petro Gazz looked like they were taking it, 20-14, but the resilient Chery Tiggo came back with a 4-0 run.
Back-and-forth service errors were committed by both squads, 22-20. Miscommunication also hampered Crossovers’ run, which led to a 23-21 lead.
An attacking Laure allowed the Crossovers to return by one point, 24-23, and eventually take the set 27-25.
“Pinaghirapan ng teammates ko ‘yung paghabol ng bola, pagdepensa. Saka isang malaking bagay na din siguro ‘yung nagpa-boost din talaga … binoost namin ‘yung isa’t isa, ‘yung kumpiyansa. Isang malaking help po ‘yun para ma-overcome or malagpasan namin ‘yung second set,” Laure said of their Set 2 comeback.
“Nakita din namin nina coach Kungfu [Reyes] ang enjoyment [ng] mga bata … kasi parang trinabaho talaga nila. Kasi ‘yung second set, very crucial, eh. Coming-from-behind ‘yung pagkakapanalo doon. Nakitaan namin ng camaraderie ‘yung team,” assistant coach Brian Esquibel, also quipped in the postgame interview, referring to the team’s effort in Set 2.
While the Crossovers trimmed down the Angels’ nine-point lead in the third set to three at 20-17, it was not enough as they conceded the frame, 18-25.
A Cza Carandang point secured the match point for Crossovers in Set 4, while Jasmine Nabor sealed the deal.
Grethcel Soltones and Aiza Pontillas held the fort for Petro Gazz, having scored 14 points apiece.
Both squads are now holding a 4-1 record in joint second place. (ABS-CBN News)