Chery Tiggo overcame a tight third set to fend off Nxled in straight sets, 25-16, 25-20, 25-23, for its second win in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
American reinforcement Khat Bell, Ara Galang, and Shaya Adorador provided the crucial hits late in the close third frame as the Crossovers seized the early lead in Pool A with a 2-0 record.
“Malaking bagay na panalo kasi nga galing kami dun sa straight-set din na game nung first game namin. Syempre mas maganda na ‘yung nakakauna eh, para at least ‘yung momentum bitbit namin,” said Chery Tiggo head coach Kungfu Reyes.
After taking the first two sets with ease, the Crossovers faced strong resistance from the Chameleon side in the third frame and found themselves locked at 21-all after an off-the-block hit from Jho Maraguinot.
(C) PVL Images
Galang answered back with a hit off a combination play, but Maraguinot scored another one before the former committed an attack error which put Nxled ahead, 23-22.
Trailing by a solitary point, Shaya Adorador went off the block and knotted things up before a Trisha Genesis attack error and a Bell backrow attack sealed the win for Chery Tiggo, who finished the game after an hour and 33 minutes.
“Syempre happy ako na nakapag-contribute ako sa team para manalo na ‘yun naman din ‘yung gino-goal ko, so, yun, super happy,” said Galang, who was named player of the game with an 11-point, 11-reception performance.
Bell shouldered the bulk of the offense for the Crossovers with 21 points on 19 attacks and two aces to go along with 10 excellent digs in the victory.
Jasmine Nabor tossed 12 excellent sets, while rookie Karen Verdeflor registered 10 excellent receptions.
Chery Tiggo will try to make it three wins in a row against Galeries Tower on Thursday, 5:00 p.m.
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On the other hand, Nxled, who was coming off a four-set victory over Galeries Tower, slid to 1-1.
American middle blocker Meegan Hart struggled, finishing with only nine points off seven attacks and two blocks, while Lycha Ebon and Maraguinot chipped in eight and seven markers, respectively.
The Chameleons will try to bounce back against Creamline also on Thursday at 3:00 p.m.
