SIZZLING HOT: Nierva shines as Crossovers run

SIZZLING HOT: Nierva shines as Crossovers run | Daily Tribune

Games tomorrow:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

4 p.m. — Farm Fresh vs ZUS Coffee

6:30 p.m. — Petro Gazz vs Akari

Chery Tiggo pounced on a flat-footed erstwhile unbeaten PLDT to essay a 25-12, 25-23, 20-25, 25-22, decision for back-to-back victories in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Tuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Libero Jen Nierva played superb floor defense while Cess Robles led the way on offense to lift the Crossovers to a 3-1 win-loss record tied with their victims.

Nierva, a key defense specialist of Alas Pilipinas, stepped up big time in making High Speed Hitters ace winger Savi Davison work for her points.

“I think, because I started my day watching PLDT. And I have six pages on how to play them today,” said Nierva, who had 17 digs and 16 excellent receptions.

Chery Tiggo’s reception was so on point, PLDT went scoreless from the service line anchored by Nierva’s efficient outing.

“And I think that’s something new that I did today that really worked. It’s effective if you take time to learn and read your opponent. It makes moving inside the court easier if you’re familiar and know how your opponents will move,” the National University product added.

Robles hammered 14 of her 17 points from kills while Ara Galang added 13 points for Chery Tiggo.

Shaya Adorador posted all her 11 points on spikes including the match-clinching through the block missile to end the two-hour, 13-minute encounter. Pauline Gaston had 10 points for the Crossovers, who controlled the first two sets before letting the third frame slip away.

Chery Tiggo erased a 17-19 deficit with a 3-0 blast capped by a Robles kill. Davison tied it at 20 but the Crossovers racked up three straight points before PLDT halted Chery Tiggo’s run.

Davison committed the last of the 33 errors by the High Speed Hitters with her service that went short to give the Crossovers the match point advantage, 24-21. Galang sent her serve long before Adorador’s game-winner.

Davison finished with 27 points off 24 kills and three kill blocks and added 12 receptions in a losing effort for PLDT. Erika Santos was the only other High Speed Hitter in double figures with 13.

Meanwhile, the PVL signed a partnership deal iColor Plus and Argan Beauty as the league’s newest sponsors.

PVL president Ricky Palou and Great Lengths, the mother brand of iColor and Argan Beauty, CEO and president Genieve Yap led the ceremonial contract signing held before the PLDT-Chery Tiggo match.

Petro Gazz star Myla Pablo was tapped as ambassador of the newest partnership and was present in the event along with league commissioner Sherwin Malonzo and marketing director Fred Fateh, iColor and Argan Beauty vice president Carlson Yap, marketing director Karen Mercado, and head of sales Erwin Reodique.

Yap highlighted that their partnership with the PVL aligns with their advocacy to empower and inspire the next generation of women.

“This partnership reflects and strengthens our advocacy which is to amplify women who shine brightly and inspire the next generation to follow in their footsteps,” said Yap.

Palou, on the other hand, said that the addition of iColor Plus and Argan Beauty to the growing PVL family is a sign of the league’s continued growth.

“We’re honored to have them as our partner for this conference and you know, these are signs that we’re doing very well and a lot of people get attracted to watch our volleyball games. We’re looking forward to a longer and stronger partnership in the future,” said Palou, also the president of Sports Vision Management Group Inc.

iColor Plus and Argan Beauty will provide exclusive deals designed for the volleyball community. They will also be distributing their products during games to engage fans and bring their brand closer to the audience.