The Chery Tiggo Crossovers came up clutch as they downed the Creamline Cool Smashers to nab solo second in the 2025 PVL Invitational.
Chery Tiggo escaped Creamline in a five-set thriller, 25-20, 24-26, 21-25, 25-17, 17-15, to rise to solo second in the 2025 PVL Invitational at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City Saturday, Aug. 23.
The Crossovers improved to a 2-1 record in the two-week tournament, while the Cool Smashers slid to the fourth spot after back-to-back losses at 1-2.
In the fifth set, it was actually Creamline who was at the driver's seat as it raced to a 5-1 lead, with Michele Gumabao accounting for three points.
Chery Tiggo, however, would not go away that easily, tying the game at 10-all after Renee Peñafiel’s service ace.
Ara Galang scored on a drop ball to help the Crossovers seize the lead at 12-11.
But Gumabao swiftly countered to knot the count at 13-all before Pangs Panaga sent the Cool Smashers at match point with a quick attack.
However, Cess Robles had other plans as she connected on an off-the-block hit in the neck-and-neck exchange.
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Still tied at 15-all, a costly service error by Gumabao put Chery Tiggo at match point.
In the following play, Alyssa Valdez was called for a net touch, sealing the win for the Crossovers.
Penafiel was hailed the Player of the Game on her 18 points built on 12 attacks, three blocks and three service aces.