MANILA – Chery Tiggo Crossovers overcame a slow start and a spirited challenge from Capital1 Solar Energy Solar Spikers to carve out a thrilling 20-25, 25-23, 25-12, 28-26 victory in the 2025 PVL on Tour on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.
Rookie Baby Jyne Soreño made her presence felt on her PVL debut, finishing with 15 points, on 14 attacks and a block, to go with four excellent digs as the Crossovers improved to a 1-0 record in Pool B.
Despite playing without stalwarts Ara Galang, Cza Carandang, Mylene Paat, Risa Sato, and Joyme Cagande, Chery Tiggo showed poise and depth to fend off the pesky Solar Spikers.
The Crossovers rebounded after dropping the opening set, grinding out a tight victory in the second frame before dominating the third with a 25-12 rout of the Solar Spikers.
Capital1, however, refused to fold, pushing Chery Tiggo to the limit in the fourth set and even earning multiple set points. But the Crossovers held their nerve to escape with a 28-26 clincher and seal the match in four sets.
The Solar Spikers, who continue to play without top overall pick Mhicaela Belen due to her national team duty, has dropped to a 0-3 record.
Meanwhile, Akari Power Chargers recharged just in time to escape with a tense 25-23, 26-24, 14-25, 17-25, 17-15 victory over ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles.
Negrense Christine Joy Soyud rose to the occasion by unloading eight of her 19 points in the final set as the Power Chargers finally secured their first win in three games.
Soyud’s mix of power and finesse helped the Power Chargers stay afloat during the frantic exchanges in the fifth set, including a go-ahead hit for match point at 14-13.
ZUS Coffee rookie AC Miner briefly tied the game at 14 with a quick attack, but costly errors from Jovelyn Gonzaga and Kate Santiago in the clutch undid their comeback./PN
