Alina Bicar and the Chery Tiggo Crossovers booked a trip to the semifinals of the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference after repulsing the Galeries Tower Highrisers.
The Chery Tiggo Crossovers clinched the fourth and last semis berth in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference after taking down the Galeries Tower Highrisers in five grueling sets, 26-24, 23-25, 19-25, 25-23, 15-9, at the PhilSports Arena on Thursday.
The Crossovers evaded the upset axe of the Highrisers, completing a come-from-behind victory to hike to a 9-2 record for provisional second spot. They also stretched their winning streak to seven, the longest run of form in the season-opening conference.
With the thrilling escape act, Chery Tiggo has now eliminated the fifth seed PLDT High Speed Hitters out of the Final Four contention. The Kungfu Reyes-helmed squad will be joining Choco Mucho, Petro Gazz, and Creamline in the next round.
Engaged in a deadlock at five in the decisive fifth frame, the Crossovers leaned on Mylene Paat, Eya Laure, and Cza Carandang to break free and mount a commanding 13-7 lead.
Andrea Marzan then committed a costly net touch violation, but she more than made up for it with a block on Carandang to save a match point for Galeries Tower, 8-14. Shola Alvarez gave the Highrisers another lease on life before she coughed out a fatal service error that sealed the deal.
Alina Bicar churned out 16 excellent sets, on top of four points, to emerge as the Player of the Game. She ably distributed the wealth, allowing eight Crossovers tally at least two on the scoring charts.
Laure carried the cudgels once more, scoring a game-high 20 points built on 15 attacks and five blocks. She also collected 11 digs and 18 receptions.
Ara Galang and Paat provided ample support with 13 and nine points, respectively, while captain Aby Maraño, Carandang, and Robles pitched in seven markers apiece.
Despite the loss, the Highrisers saved the best for last, putting up a gallant stand to end their campaign with a 4-7 card for ninth spot. This is a step forward from their 11th-place finish in the 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference, where they had an 1-10 slate.
France Ronquillo poured a double-double of 15 points and 11 receptions that went for naught.
Marzan and Noriella Ipac managed 11 and 10 markers, respectively, while Alvarez had eight points and 25 digs that went down the drain.
Chery Tiggo now set its sights on the round-robin semifinals, which will go into full swing on April 30, Tuesday, at the same Pasig venue.