Soreno, Chery Tiggo Outduel Gritty Capital1 in Thrilling Showdown…Read More…
In a pulsating display of heart-stopping volleyball action, Chery Tiggo Crossovers, led by the dynamic Eya Laure and the unshakable libero Buding Soreno, fended off a feisty and determined Capital1 squad in a five-set thriller that had fans roaring and hearts pounding inside the packed PhilSports Arena on Saturday night. With both teams refusing to yield an inch, the Crossovers emerged victorious with a 25-21, 23-25, 25-19, 22-25, 15-11 triumph that showcased grit, determination, and championship-level intensity.
Chery Tiggo came into the match as slight favorites, but Capital1, the league newcomers who’ve already proven they are far from pushovers, gave them a night to remember — and almost regret.
A Match of Momentum Swings
The first set saw Chery Tiggo impose their pace early. Behind the clinical finishing of Eya Laure and the relentless digging and floor defense of Soreno, the Crossovers built a slim but steady lead. Laure, who finished the night with 24 points, was in a zone, attacking from the front and back rows with equal ferocity. Soreno, meanwhile, kept Capital1’s attacks at bay, her saves drawing gasps from the crowd as she turned potential points into frustration for their opponents.
Despite their relative inexperience, Capital1 didn’t flinch. Captain Ivy Lacsina and outside hitter Angeline Poyos led the charge in the second set, combining for quick kills and crucial blocks. With the score tied at 23-all, Poyos delivered a pair of back-to-back winners to snatch the set, 25-23, and level the match. Their bench erupted — they knew they were in for more than just a moral victory.
Soreno’s Defensive Brilliance
As the battle wore on, Buding Soreno became the difference-maker. Diving, sliding, and leaping like her life depended on it, the Chery Tiggo libero tallied 27 excellent digs and 19 excellent receptions, effectively nullifying Capital1’s hot streaks and maintaining control in transition plays. Her performance was a masterclass in court coverage, often putting herself in the line of fire to keep the ball alive.
“She was everywhere,” Chery Tiggo coach Kungfu Reyes said in the post-match interview. “Buding gave us the energy and stability we needed in those crucial moments. Without her tonight, this result could’ve gone the other way.”
Soreno’s tenacity seemed to ignite her teammates, who rallied to take the third set 25-19 with crisper passing, smarter decisions, and an elevated team spirit. Mylene Paat and Shaya Adorador contributed crucial hits to give the Crossovers some breathing space again.
Capital1’s Relentless Resistance
However, Capital1 wasn’t about to go quietly. Led by the inspired play of Poyos, who had a breakout performance with 21 points, and the crafty sets from veteran playmaker Jasmine Nabor, the expansion team came storming back in the fourth. Lacsina was a pillar at the net, recording four blocks in the set alone as they clawed their way to a 25-22 win, forcing a deciding fifth set.
The Capital1 bench, animated and energetic all night, danced and cheered with every point, creating a vibrant underdog energy that even neutral fans couldn’t help but embrace. Despite being new to the league, their cohesion and competitive fire made them look like seasoned contenders.
The Final Push
The fifth set began like a sprint — with both sides trading points and refusing to blink. Chery Tiggo leaned on experience, with Laure and Paat taking charge offensively, but it was again Soreno who calmed the chaos. Her steady hands and quick reflexes prevented what could have been momentum-shifting rallies for Capital1.
Midway through the set, Soreno made a diving save that led to an off-speed winner by Adorador, giving Chery Tiggo a 10-8 edge. From there, the Crossovers never looked back, closing the set and the match 15-11, much to the relief of their coaching staff and fans.
Praise for Capital1’s Heart
In defeat, Capital1 earned more than just sympathy — they earned respect. Coach Emilio “KungFu” Reyes himself acknowledged their fighting spirit.
“They gave us a scare,” Reyes said. “But they are a promising team. If they keep playing like this, they’ll surprise a lot more teams this season.”
Even Soreno took a moment to pay tribute to the Capital1 squad.
“They didn’t play like rookies tonight,” she said. “They fought for every ball, every set. We had to fight for every single point. It was tough — really tough.”
Looking Ahead
For Chery Tiggo, the win pushes them further up the Premier Volleyball League standings and solidifies their position as playoff contenders. But it also raises questions about consistency — can they maintain this level without relying too heavily on Soreno’s defensive brilliance or Laure’s offensive bursts?
For Capital1, this heart-wrenching loss may just be the fire they need to ignite a breakthrough. If their performance against Chery Tiggo is any indication, they’re no longer just a team to watch — they’re a team to fear.
As fans filed out of the arena, still buzzing from the five-set rollercoaster, one thing was clear: the PVL’s landscape is shifting. New rivalries are emerging, new stars are being born, and the game is more alive than ever. And at the heart of it all, warriors like Buding Soreno and the fearless women of Capital1 are giving Philippine volleyball the kind of drama, emotion, and magic that fans crave.
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