CHERY Tiggo held steadier in every set to beat Farm Fresh, 25-21, 25-23, 25-22, to open its Premier Volleyball League 2nd All-Filipino Conference on a high note yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Sisters EJ and Eya Laure teamed up for 27 points while Cess Robles, which entered the match as a substitute in the second set, responded well for the Crossovers with 10 points.

“I’m just happy that the players are healthy,” said Chery Tiggo coach Aaron Velez.

“I think, medyo slow start kami noong third, but because of their determination, nagkakaroon rin kami ng jelling. Naitawid namin yung third set, thank you sa mga players na nag-push,” he added.

Trailing 21-24 in the second set, a Trisha Tubu kill and a miscommunication between Jasmine Nabor and Pauline Gaston, helped the Foxies save two set points.

Robles then nailed a cross-court kill to give the Crossovers a 2-0 set advantage.

Eya Laure was glad that Chery Tiggo able to pull it off despite Farm Fresh taking a 18-10 lead in the third set.

“At least doon din nate-test yung character as a whole team. Ayaw naming matalo sa match with the help of the instructions ng mga coaches and each and every one of us yung effort,” said Eya Laure.

The Crossovers are hoping to have opposite spiker Mylene Paat, who is recovering from a foot injury, in action as soon as possible.

“Rest assured, minamadali rin namin. Minamadali pero we will make sure namin na nasa 100 percent siya,” said Velez on Paat.

Tubu led the Foxies with 15 points while Jade Gentapa had two blocks for a 10-point outing.

Louie Romero, Farm Fresh’s new starting setter, debuted with 16 excellent sets as she held her own against Chery Tiggo veteran playmaker Jasmine Nabor.

Games tomorrow

(Filoil EcoOil Centre)
3 p.m. – Chery Tiggo vs Galeries
5 p.m. – PLDT vs Akari
7 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Farm Fresh