Khat Bell announced her arrival in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference with a booming performance, leading Chery Tiggo to a 25-13, 27-25, 25-22 win over Farm Fresh on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Bell erupted for 23 points on 22 attacks and one block while also contributing nine digs and six excellent receptions.
The Crossovers joined Nxled as early leaders in Pool A with a 1-0 record.
“Mostly, lumabas kung ano yung tini-train namin. We worked as one, especially with the leadership of Khat [Bell] din. All we needed to do is to ring the bell, that’s all we needed to do,” said Chery Tiggo head coach Kungfu Reyes.
Ara Galang’s crucial net touch allowed the Foxies to inch within one point late in the third frame, 22-23.
However, Louie Romero gave back the advantage with a service error, followed by Farm Fresh’s import Yeny Murillo getting blocked at the net, securing the win for Chery Tiggo in one hour and 42 minutes.
The Crossovers reached set point in the third early at 24-20, but Caitlin Viray, Trisha Tubu, and Rizza Cruz rallied to force a deuce at 24. However, a service error by Angelica Legacion, followed by Bell’s hit off a floating ball, gave Chery Tiggo a 2-0 set lead.
(C) Joaqui Flores/PVL
Chery Tiggo returnee Mary Rhose Dapol supported Bell with eight points, while Seth Rodriguez and Pauline Gaston contributed five each. The team also capitalized on 27 errors from Farm Fresh.
The Crossovers will not be having the services of Eya Laure and Jen Nierva as well due to national team duties.
“From day one naman ng training lagi naman silang nandiyan so yung shuffle ng team, yung every rotation, lahat naman ng ginagawa namin is para sa lahat, especially sa mga wing spikers kasi ang dami nila. That’s a good problem for us,” said Reyes.
“Again, itong nangyayari na ‘to sa laro, ito yung pina-practice lang din namin. So yung adjustment, little adjustment, mas madali para sa amin.
Chery Tiggo will look to go 2-0 on Saturday when they face Nxled at 2 p.m.
The Foxies, who sat out fourth overall pick Maicah Larroza, were led by converted outside hitter Viray with 13 points. Murillo, the Colombian reinforcement, finished with 10 points, 10 digs, and eight receptions.
Farm Fresh aims to enter the win column against Creamline at 6 p.m. on Saturday as well.
