Chery Tiggo kept its semifinals bid alive with the victory.
Stakes were high for the Chery Tiggo Crossovers and Choco Mucho Flying Titans as both teams needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
In the end, it was the Crossovers who proved to be too much for the Flying Titans, winning in straight sets, 25-21, 25-19, 25-19.
Chery Tiggo coach Aaron Velez lauded the team as they snapped a three-game losing slump.
“They poured their heart out. They trusted one another and we stuck by it. Yun nga, ako nagpapasalamat lang. Kahit may mga adjustments kami, may pinagdaanan kami,” said Velez.
Mylene Paat led the way as usual for for the Crossovers with 25 points on 22 attacks, 1 block, and 2 aces.
All eyes, though, were on Pauline Gaston as she faced her former team. Gaston did not disappoint as she finished with a triple-double of 12 points, 19 excellent digs, and 14 excellent receptions.
“Nung nakita ko sila, na-miss ko talaga sila and nakita ko na kumpleto pa rin sila. Bale, ako lang talaga yung nawala, so I just really tried to set aside my emotions and played professionally,” said Gaston.
The former Ateneo standout said her familiarity with how her former teammates play helped her deliver the goods for the Crossovers, but she also admitted it was “bittersweet” playing against her former team.
“I guess advantage sa 'kin kasi nga kilala ko sila, kilala ko yung tendencies nila. So, I guess I was able to contribute in this game a lot kasi it's my former team,” said Gaston. “Malaki pa rin yun respeto ko sa kanila and I think they played really well and bittersweet siya.”
Chery Tiggo will look to ride on this win as they face the gritty Petro Gazz Angels on Tuesday, March 14.