Crossovers take on Thunderbelles

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CHERY Tiggo and ZUS Coffee, riding the momentum of their recent victories, clash in a crucial matchup today, Thursday, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

With the knockout phase fast approaching, both squads are determined to solidify their standings, facing off at 4 p.m. in a match expected to go down to the wire.

The Crossovers bolstered their campaign with a four-set victory over the Farm Fresh Foxies last weekend, improving to a 5-3 record. The win placed them in a three-way tie for fourth alongside PLDT High Speed Hitters and Choco Mucho Flying Titans.

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PLDT holds the edge with 15 points, followed by Chery Tiggo with 14 and Choco Mucho with 12.

With every point crucial in the standings, the format makes set wins just as important as match victories. A straight-set or four-set win earns a team three points, while a five-setter results in two points for the winner and one for the loser. A three-set or four-set defeat leaves a team empty-handed, increasing the urgency of each remaining match.

As the tournament reaches its final 11 playdates before the knockout round, the intensity escalates. With nine teams still tightly packed in the standings, every match could make or break a team’s playoff hopes.

The unique bracket system pits the No. 1 seed against No. 12, No. 2 against No. 11, and so on, with the winners advancing to the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, the losers will battle for the last two quarterfinal slots in a high-stakes play-in tournament.

The Crossovers look to maintain their charge as they take on the surging Thunderbelles. Coach Norman Miguel remains confident in his squad’s ability, leaning on the experience and leadership of Cess Robles, Ara Galang, Shaya Adorador and the ever-reliable Cza Carandang. Their chemistry and playoff experience could give them an advantage over the young but fearless ZUS Coffee squad.

“Maybe it’s better for us to focus on our movements as a team, regardless of who our opponent is. But since we’re up against ZUS, it’s even more important that we execute our movements and system properly. Whatever the coaches want us to do, we need to adapt and execute it correctly,” said Galang, who scored 20 points in their last game.

However, ZUS Coffee isn’t backing down without a fight. The Thunderbelles have a balanced mix of veterans and rising stars, with seasoned players Chai Troncoso and Jovelyn Gonzaga leading the charge.

The Foxies try to rebound from their recent setback against the Crossovers as they clash with the struggling Galeries Tower Highrisers in the 6 p.m. main game. While the Foxies hold a 3-4 record compared to Galeries Tower’s 1-6 mark, the Highrisers remain a formidable opponent, having pushed powerhouse teams Choco Mucho and Chery Tiggo to five sets in previous encounters.

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