Crossovers off to semifinals

MANILA, Philippines — Chery Tiggo’s road back to glory is nearing its destination.

Needing just two sets to claim the fourth and last Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference semifinal seat, the Crossovers did that and more as they repulsed the upset-conscious Galeries Tower Highrisers, 26-24, 23-25, 19-25, 25-12, 15-9, yesterday at the PhilSports Arena.

While it wasn’t the win Chery Tiggo was hoping for, it was enough to book it a ninth win in 11 games as well as a place in the single-round robin-format semis unfurling Tuesday at the same Pasig venue.

It will be the Crossovers’ second straight semis appearance and fourth overall since joining the league three years ago, the same year they snared their first and only title in the Barraca, Ilocos Norte bubble thus far.

And now they have a chance to replicate such feat as they battle Choco Mucho, Creamline and Petro Gazz for the two finals seats.

Entering the game, Chery Tiggo has won six straight and has climbed from the bottom and into the magic four.

But they were challenged by the inspired, tenacious Highrisers, who fought hard and long in the opening set before snatching the next two that put them a set closer from pulling off perhaps their biggest win in the league.

It wasn’t meant to be, though, as the Crossovers rediscovered their groove and went on attack mode in dominating the final two sets and preserving the win.

Alina Bicar was a vicar of strength as she dished out 16 excellents sets while sneaking in four hits.

Eya Laure took charge with 20 points with Aby Maraño (seven) and others providing support.