Chery Tiggo Crossovers during during a 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference game. –PVL PHOTO

Chery Tiggo survived the first five-setter of the new PVL All-Filipino Conference with a come-from-behind victory against Capital1, 20-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-18, 15-11, Tuesday night at PhilSports Arena.

Ara Galang powered the Crossovers with 23 points from 18 attacks, four blocks and an ace to secure the opening game win. Cess Robles contributed 12 attack points in addition to 27 excellent digs.

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“We’re always reminded to just enjoy it. It’s great because we’re really helping each other out … There’s a strong collective effort, and we truly enjoy what we’re doing—it’s real teamwork,” said Galang.

SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024-2025

“In the early part of the game, they obviously weren’t connected and were all over the place,” said debuting coach Norman Miguel. “We told them to just play their usual game, not to overanticipate or get too excited. They were a bit disorganized, but thankfully, they pulled themselves together.”

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Chery Tiggo Crossovers’ Ara Galang during a during a 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference game. –PVL PHOTO

Shaya Adorador helped with 11 points as Alina Bicar dished 15 excellent sets to immediately give Miguel his first professional win. Karen Verdeflor protected the Crossovers’ floor with 24 excellent digs.

The Solar Spikers looked in control of the whole game as Leila Cruz came up with a career-high 20 points off 14 kills, five blocks and an ace. The former La Salle hitter also had 16 excellent digs but that overall performance was not enough to lift her squad.

READ: PVL: Chery Tiggo ready to play amid all manpower issues

Patty Orendain dropped 14 points while Heather Guino-o added 12 attack points for Capital1. Iris Tolenada tossed 17 excellent sets as Roma Doromal caught 28 excellent digs.

The Crossovers will have nine days before facing their next challenge, Cignal on Nov. 21 as well as the Solar Spikers who look to bounce back opposite Choco Mucho, both at FilOil EcoOil Arena.

Chery Tiggo was without Jen Nierva and Mylene Paat, which Miguel said are still undergoing additional strength training. Jas Nabor also did not suit up for the Crossovers who are still without the injured Imee Hernandez.