Chery Tiggo Closes In On PVL Finals, Sets Up Showdown With Kobe Shinwa

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by Misha Cruz

Chery Tiggo Crossovers during a win over ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the PVL Invitational.
Chery Tiggo Crossovers during a win over ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the PVL Invitational. Photo: PVL.

The PVL Invitational Finals race just got a whole lot clearer—thanks to the Chery Tiggo Crossovers.

With a commanding sweep of ZUS Coffee (25-17, 25-17, 25-23) on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena, the Crossovers officially eliminated Creamline, Cignal, and ZUS from the championship hunt. That leaves only two squads still standing in the race for the second finals berth: Chery Tiggo and Japan’s Kobe Shinwa University. The prize? A shot at PLDT, who already booked their seat in the title series.

The Crossovers looked sharp and locked in all night. Cess Robles led the charge with 17 points, while veteran Ara Galang added 9 and rising star Renee Penafiel chipped in 8. But it was Jen Nierva, fresh from her Alas Pilipinas stint, who once again made her presence felt. The fiery libero anchored the floor defense with 19 excellent receptions and 11 digs, bringing stability and energy that lifted the entire squad.

“Medyo nakaka-adjust na kami,” Nierva shared after the game. “The past two games we got the results we wanted, and now we’re just trying to stay consistent every time we step on the court.”

Chery Tiggo star libero Jen Nierva.
Chery Tiggo star libero Jen Nierva. Photo: PVL.

ZUS Coffee tried to extend the fight in the third set, battling back from a shaky start to tie things at 20-all. The Thunderbelles even held the Crossovers at 23-all after a late rally, giving their fans hope of forcing a fourth set. But costly errors in the clutch doomed their chances, as back-to-back miscues sealed the sweep for Chery Tiggo.

For ZUS Coffee, their first PVL Invitational campaign remains a tough lesson. They remain winless at 0-3, now officially out of contention. Kate Santiago carried the fight with 11 points and 8 receptions, while Wielyn Estoque chipped in 9—but it wasn’t enough against the relentless Crossovers.

Chery Tiggo players celebrate their win over ZUS Coffee.
Chery Tiggo players celebrate their win over ZUS Coffee. Photo: PVL.

Now, all eyes turn to the looming Chery Tiggo vs. Kobe Shinwa showdown, a do-or-die clash that will determine who gets to challenge PLDT for the crown. With momentum on their side, the Crossovers are hungry to make a statement and reach their third Finals appearance in franchise history.

One thing’s for sure: the path to the Invitational championship is heating up—and Chery Tiggo is right at the heart of it.