By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Cess Robles delivered an all-around performance to lift Chery Tiggo past Akari, 24-26, 25-19, 25-16, 23-25, 15-10, for its second straight win in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal, on Sunday, July 6.
The 5-foot-3 outside hitter was unstoppable across all departments, exploding for 23 points built on 21 attacks and two aces. She also anchored the floor defense with 15 excellent digs.
The win served as a fitting follow-up to the Crossovers’ gritty victory over the Capital1 Solar Spikers the day before, keeping their record unblemished in Pool B.
Chery Tiggo head coach Norman Miguel said their previous triumph over Capital1 gave the team the needed boost heading into this tough five-setter.
“Yung kahapon naging parang confidence-booster. All the more pa ito sa mga susunod na laban,” said Miguel.
Robles echoed the sentiment, noting that the team finally showed its true form in this match.
“Yung game kahapon, hindi pa ’yun ’yung talagang laro namin. Ngayon, pinakita namin na palaban talaga kami,” said Robles, who also starred in the previous game with 17 points.
Renee Peñafiel continued to impress, adding 12 points for Chery Tiggo, while Jasmine Nabor orchestrated the offense masterfully with 28 excellent sets.
The win overshadowed the efforts of Ivy Lacsina, Eli Soyud, and Ced Domingo, who all scored in double figures for Akari.
Lacsina led the Chargers with 18 points, while Soyud and Domingo chipped in 17 and 12 points, respectively, in a losing effort.
Akari suffered its third defeat in four matches, keeping the team stuck in the middle of the Pool B standings.
