Chery sets virtual finale vs F2; CPS pulls shocker

LIPA CITY, Philippines — Chery Tiggo arranged a virtual title showdown against F2 Logistics after cruising past Baguio even as high school team California Precision Sports pulled off a monumental upset of pro club Petro Gazz in the penultimate day of the PNVF Champions League at the Aquamarine Recreational Center Gym here.

The Crossovers swept the Lady Highlanders, 25-13, 25-17, 25-14, shortly after the Antipolo-based CPS’ 18-25, 12-25, 25-22, 25-14, 15-13 stunner over Petro Gazz.

“We did not give up. We stuck together and held on until the last set, the last point,” said the 16-year-old Casiey Monique Dongallo.

Behind May Luna’s 11 markers, Chery Tiggo improved to 3-1 ahead of a heavyweight clash with unbeaten F2 Logistics (4-0) today to determine the queen of the inaugural Champions League.

“It’s gonna be an exciting match so we’re just going to take it one point at a time,” said coach Aaron Velez as Chery needs to win in three or four sets to salvage the crown in a two-way tie.

A win in five sets for the reigning Premier Volleyball League (PVL) champion, unfortunately, would not be enough against the Cargo Movers that have yet to drop a single set in four matches.

But the night belonged to the young CPS squad with an average age of only 16 years after capping off one of the biggest upsets in recent Philippine volleyball history against a bevy of seasoned pro players and former national team players.

Led by Casiey Monique Dongallo (22) and Jelaica Faye Gajero (22), the no-fear CPS rallied from two sets down including a 14-19 deficit in the third set to steal the tournament’s spotlight at the expense of Petro Gazz that just came off a third-place finish in the PVL this year.

“We just did our best and poured everything we had, win or lose. It’ s a miracle win for us,” Gajero, 17, added.

Baguio ended its campaign winless at 0-5 while Petro Gazz slid to 2-2 heading into a crucial duel with Tuguegarao Perlas (2-2) for a shot at a podium finish.