The Chery Tiggo Crossovers proved that they are a team to beat in the 2021 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Open Conference with a straight-set victory, 25-20, 25-17, 25-6, over the PLDT Power Hitters on Saturday, July 17, at the PCV Socio-civic and Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.

The Crossovers made their PVL debut worthwhile by also recording the league’s first win as a professional tournament.

Joy Dacoron led Chery Tiggo with 13 points, which included 6 blocks, while Dindin Santiago-Manabat chipped in 12 points with 10 coming from attacks.

Jaja Santiago, who became the first Filipino volleyball player to win an international pro title, had 11 points off 7 attacks and 4 aces.

Santiago proved that she has greatly improved with the Ageo Medics in the Japan V. League as she led Chery Tiggo’s 17-1 run in the final set that decided the win.

Chery Tiggo got off to a strong start thanks to performances of Manabat in the opening frame.

Though PLDT only trailed by one, 16-17, the Crossovers managed to deny the Power Hitters of a comeback to steal the opening set.

With momentum on Chery Tiggo’s side, the Power Hitters struggled with blocking, especially sizing up to the towering Santiago sisters.

Isa Molde led PLDT in the losing effort, tallying 8 points off 7 attacks and 1 ace. – Rappler.com