Chery Tiggo completes Game 3 escape, claims PVL Open conference crown

Chery Tiggo rose from a two-set disadvantage to win the PVL Open Conference in five sets. PVL Media Bureau 

By Ricky Manliguis

MANILA, Philippines – Make way for the comeback queens.

Chery completed an improbable comeback from a two sets down to fashion out a 23-25, 20-25, 25-21, 25-23, 15-8 win over Creamline and be crowned as the champions of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Open Conference Friday at the PCV Socio-Civic and Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.

The Crossovers once again leaned on the monster games of the Santiago sisters and negated the Cool Smashers in the fifth set en route to the championship in the first professional volleyball league in the country.  

The win also snapped Creamline’s two-year reign in the Open Conference.

Jaja Santiago anchored Chery to a commanding 9-2 advantage in the deciding set before unleashing the game-winning hit for the final count.  

Dindin Manabat powered her way to 32 points on 30 attacks, while newly-minted Finals MVP Jaja added 26 anchored on 22 attacks and four blocks.

Buding Duremdes clicked on the defensive side with 26 digs and 20 receptions, while Shaya Adorador had 36 receptions.

It was a long and tiring road to the crown for Chery Tiggo, playing seven consecutive games starting the end of the elimination round, including the three-game semifinals series win against Choco Mucho. 

Tots Carlos scored 22 points and Alyssa Valdez had 17 on 15 attacks apiece for Creamline, whose 24 unforced errors proved costly in the game. Risa Sato and Jema Galanza both accounted for 14 markers.

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