Chery Tiggo displayed grace under pressure as it survived the gritty Cignal side, 17-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-22, 16-14, to propel to a fifth straight victory in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday, Nov. 21.

In a battle of two streaking teams, it was the Crossovers who emerged victorious as Eya Laure spearheaded the assault particularly in crunch time on their way to solidifying their hold of second spot with a 7-1 record.

The triumph not only bolstered Chery Tiggo’s semifinal bid but also halted Cignal’s five-game winning run as the HD Spikers fell to 6-3.

Laure exploded throughout the two-hour, 13-minute affair by pumping in 26 points built on 21 kills, three blocks and two aces, including that solid serve that sealed the victory for the Crossovers.

Chery Tiggo was leading 13-11 in the pivotal fifth set when Cignal drained three attack points courtesy of Roselyn Doria and Ces Molina to grab the 14-13 match point advantage.

But a drop ball from Laure and a crucial block from Cza Carandang off a spike from Molina turned things around for the Crossovers before Laure closing  out the match with an ace.

Chery Tiggo deputy coach Kungfu Reyes credited his team’s never-say-die attitude, which has been evident in the past matches.

“Lalo na sa fifth set, anybody’s ball game na yan. Kung sino ang unang kumurap, sino unang bumigay,” said Reyes.

Ces Robles also came out smoking off the bench, registering 18 points including crucial hits in the nail-biting fourth set where the Crossovers rose from a 22-21 deficit en route to the set win.

Carandang and Mylene Paat were equally impressive with 11 points apiece.

Chery Tiggo’s victory overshadowed the efforts of Vanie Gandler, Ces Molina and Ria Meneses, who finished with 20, 14 and 12 points for Cignal.