By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Chery Tiggo Crossovers battled back from a set down to defeat the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, 27-25, 11-25, 17-25, 25-22, 15-10, in the PVL All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday night, November 25.

Rookie libero Jennifer Nierva had an efficient defensive game as she tallied 27 excellent digs and 21 excellent receptions as the Crossovers clinched a semifinals seat with their 8-1 win-loss slate.

“Actually, I anticipated that this game will go to five sets, kasi I know that F2 Logistics has nothing [to] lose, and they will just play their game and the pressure will be on us,” Nierva said.

“Naniwala lang ako sa mga teammates ko. Alam namin na hindi ito ibibigay ng F2, kaya lalaban kami. Pinaghirapan talaga namin ang semis seat na ito. Lahat ng teammates ko nag-contribute,” she added.

After their struggles in the second and third set, the Crossovers cruised to a 20-16 lead in the fourth frame, but the Cargo Movers managed to tie the score at 20-all before Eya Laure took over offensively for Chery Tiggo to force a fifth set.

Both teams were engaged in a tight battle in the fifth frame, with the Crossovers clinging to a slim 10-9 lead, but they managed to pull away behind attacks by Laure, Mylene Paat and Pauline Gaston to complete the come-from-behind win.

On the other hand, the Cargo Movers dropped to a 4-6 win-loss slate and are already out of Final Four contention.

Petro Gazz Angels kept their semifinal hopes alive following a 25-18, 17-25, 25-22, 32-30 victory over the Akari Power Chargers. The Angels improved to a 6-4 win-loss slate.

Marian Buitre stepped up offensively with a conference-high of 22 points, built on 16 attacks, four blocks and two service aces to be named Player of the Game for the Angels.

“This game is parang do-or-die game para sa amin. Kailangan talaga naming maipanalo ang remaining games namin para magkaroon kami ng chances sa semis,” Buitre said in a post-game interview./ASC, WDJ