The Philippine National Volleyball Federation congratulates Chery Tiggo for winning the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference.
The Crossovers became the country’s first-ever professional volleyball league champions following a come-from-behind 23-25, 20-25, 25-21, 25-23, 15-8 win over Creamline in a thrilling finale on Friday at the PCV Socio-Civic & Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.
“Despite all the tremendous odds, Chery Tiggo was able to pull it off,” PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said. “Congratulations to the club management, players and the coaching staff.”
Dindin Santiago-Manabat put up a brilliant performance of 32 points and 15 digs while her younger sister Jaja Santiago, showing the form that made her the first Filipina to win a championship overseas, had four blocks for a 26-point outing for the Crossovers.
Santiago was named the conference and Finals Most Valuable Player in the month-long tournament held in a bubble set-up.
Chery Tiggo won the gold in three matches. The Cool Smashers took Game 1, 25-15, 25-21, 18-25, 19-25, 15-7, before the Crossovers leveled the best-of-three series with a 25-18, 17-25, 25-16, 25-21 victory.
PetroGazz, on the other hand, topped Choco Mucho, 25-20, 25-18, 25-21, to capture the bronze medal via a two-game sweep.
Santiago, who also bagged the 1st Best Middle Blocker award, led the All-Premier Team which includes Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez (1st Best Outside Hitter), PetroGazz’s Myla Pablo (2nd Best Outside Hitter), PetroGazz’s Ria Meneses (2nd Best Middle Blocker), Choco Mucho’s Kat Tolentino (Best Opposite Hitter), Creamline’s Jia Morado (Best Setter) and PetroGazz’s Kath Arado (Best Libero).
Choco Mucho placed fourth followed by Sta. Lucia (5th), Black Mamba-Army (6th), PLDT Home Fibr (7th), BaliPure (8th), Perlas Spikers (9th) and Cignal HD (10th).