MANILA – Jennifer Nierva delivered a steady defensive performance to help Chery Tiggo Crossovers secure a 25-17, 25-17, 25-23 victory over ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the PVL Invitational Conference on Tuesday night at the Philsports Arena.
Nierva, back in the PVL after her stint with Alas Pilipinas, finished with 11 excellent digs and 19 receptions, earning Best Player of the Game honors as the Crossovers tightened their hold on second place with a 3-1 record.
“Hindi pa rin enough ang effort. Hangga’t hindi namin naaabot ang goal, hindi pa tapos ang trabaho namin,” the Ilongga Nierva said, emphasizing her focus on consistency as Chery Tiggo aims for a Finals return.
The Crossovers, which finished runner up in the PVL on Tour, were in control for most of the one-hour, 19-minute match, pulling away early in the first set and quickly recovering from a 0-3 start in the second.
ZUS Coffee made a late push in the third, erasing a 13-9 deficit to tie the score at 23-all, but back-to-back errors from Kate Santiago and Wielyn Estoque sealed their third straight loss.
Ilongga Princess Robles led Chery Tiggo’s scoring with 17 points, while Victonara Galang and rookie Renee Peñafiel added nine and eight markers, respectively.
Santiago top-scored with 11 points, with Negrense Caroline Santos and Estoque contributing nine each for the Thunderbelles, which remained winless in three matches.
Meanwhile, Kobe Shinwa University of Japan unleashed its fury on Creamline Cool Smashers with a 27-25, 25-23, 23-25, 25-21 victory.
Kokoro Yasuma starred for Kobe Shinwa with 23 points built on 21 attacks and two service aces, along with 12 excellent receptions, as the Japanese squad improved to a 2-1 record.
“Hindi siya magandang laro kahapon, so very happy na today na nakuha siya sa dikitan na laban,” Yasuda said through an interpreter. “In this game, natuto ako na mag-adjust sa mataas na (blockers), at ito ay madadala namin sa next games.”/PN
