Even without several of their key players, the Chery Tiggo Crossovers just had enough firepower to take down the Capital1 Solar Spikers to open their PVL on Tour campaign in Montalban.
The Chery Tiggo Crossovers are off to a winning start in the PVL on Tour after fending off the Capital1 Solar Spikers in four sets, 20-25, 25-23, 25-12, 28-26, at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal on Saturday.
Despite missing Ara Galang, Mylene Paat, Cza Carandang, Joyme Cagande, Risa Sato, and Alas Pilipinas libero Jen Nierva, the depleted Crossovers still found a way to secure their first win in the preseason tilt.
Chery Tiggo banked on Cess Robles, as well as the returning Imee Hernandez and rookie Jyne Soreño, to push them past a gritty Capital1 squad.
The Solar Spikers were still without top pick Bella Belen, who was watching from the sidelines, as well as Leila Cruz, Jorelle Singh, Nikka Yandoc, and Jerrili Malabanan.
After heading into an extended set in the fourth frame, back-to-back attack errors by Syd Niegos and Shola Alvarez ultimately spelled doom for the Solar Spikers, who dropped to 0-3 in Pool B.
Robles topscored for the Crossovers with 17 points, while Soreño added 15 points off 14 attacks and one block. Renee Penafiel also finished with double-digit scoring of 10 markers.
Next up for Chery Tiggo will be the Akari Chargers tomorrow, July 6, still at the Ynares Center Montalban.