Coach Kungfu Reyes reminds his wards that the real battle has yet to begin.
The Chery Tiggo Crossovers secure the second seed in the PNVF Champions League after dispatching the Philippine Army Lady Troopers, 25-16, 25-14, 26-28, 25-15, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Thursday.
The Crossovers, who suffered their lone defeat on opening day at the hands of the HD Spikers, will head into the semifinals with a 3-1 record.
As delighted as he is about the winning card, Chery Tiggo head coach Kungfu Reyes said the standings have no bearing heading into the next round.
"Well, na-secure namin yung number two pero still magma-matter dito 'yung bakbakan sa semifinals kasi wala namang twice-to-beat advantage. Ranking lang ang labanan," shared the veteran tactician, who awaits the results in the battle for third place between Petro Gazz and College of St. Benilde.
EJ Laure poured 21 points built on 17 attacks and four blocks while Shaya Adorador put up 20 markers, five of which came via service bombs.
Princess Robles supplied 14 points for the Crossovers, who outgunned Army with a 62-40 spiking differential.
Brushing aside a third-set hiccup, Chery Tiggo relied on its precise execution at the net and pounced on the faulty reception of the Lady Troopers for a 16-10 edge.
Jovelyn Gonzaga tried to instigate an Army resurgence but the troika of Laure, Adorador, and Robles snatched the momentum back to the Crossovers, who sealed the match-clinching set with a 10-point cushion.
Honey Royse Tubino the losing side with 13 points while Gonzaga finished with 10 points for the Lady Troopers, who end their campaign without a win.