Jaja Santiago-less Chery Tiggo downs Perlas in PNVF Champions League

Playing without their main gunner, the Chery Tiggo Crossovers cruised to their first win in the PNVF Champions League after beating the Tuguegarao Perlas Spikers, 25-22, 20-25, 25-14, 25-23, on Saturday at the Aquamarine Sports Complex in Lipa, Batangas.

Chery Tiggo recorded its first victory in the tournament sans prized spiker Jaja Santiago, who's currently playing as import for the Saitama Ageo Medics in the 2021 Japan V.League season.

After seeing the tight match knotted at one set apiece, Chery Tiggo got its act together in the third frame behind strong showing from Dindin Santiago-Manabat who put them up, 19-11.

Perlas would only score three points after that as Justine Dorog nailed two straight points for the Crossovers, 25-14.

It was a different scenario in the fourth set as the 2021 PVL Open Conference champions saw themselves down 17-11 with Norielle Ipac carrying Perlas. A block by Rachel Austero tied it all up at 19-all.

Perlas had multiple chances to bring the game into the fifth set but errors cost them the game as two consecutive miscommunications from their side put Chery Tiggo up, 22-20.

A block by veteran middle blocker Maika Ortiz handed the Crossovers the match point and the victory formally went their way after an attack error from Nicole Tiamzon, 25-23.

Santiago-Manabat carried the load for the Crossovers, finishing with 17 points while Mylene Paat contributed 11 markers. Perlas, on the other hand, was led by Tiamzon who poured in game-high 21 points while team captain Michelle Morente carved out 19 markers.

Chery Tiggo hopes to make it back-to-back wins when it collides with Petro Gazz on Sunday, November 21, at 4 p.m.

—JMB, GMA News