Once rivals, Khat Bell is ecstatic to finally have Ara Galang on the same side of the Taraflex for her Philippine volleyball return with Chery Tiggo in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Bell has long admired Galang’s work ethic and playstyle, which she first witnessed during Galang’s two seasons with F2 Logistics in the 2018 and 2019 editions of the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix.
However, Bell and the Blaze Spikers shared a storied rivalry with Galang and the Cargo Movers throughout both editions of the PSL Grand Prix.
Petron and F2 Logistics consistently met in the finals, with Bell’s Blaze Spikers often finding a way to edge out the Cargo Movers – who fielded a young Galang – to claim the title in both tournaments.
“It’s definitely less stressful having her [Ara Galang] on my team. I watched her closely the last two seasons I’ve been here. I admire her work ethic,” Bell said after Chery Tiggo’s 25-16, 25-20, and 25-23 sweep of Nxled, which put them in the solo lead and maintained their undefeated status in Pool A.
Now teaming with Galang in the PVL, the 31-year-old high flyer also praised Galang’s improvement in spike efficiency since her stint with F2 Logistics in the PSL.
Galang’s 11 points, including seven attacks and four blocks, along with 11 digs, complemented Bell’s 21-point performance for the Crossovers against the Chameleons.
“She’s attacking a lot higher and more effectively than in the last few years, and her strength is incredible. I can tell she’s been working hard in the gym, and I’m just so glad to have her as a teammate and not as an opponent anymore,” Bell added.
Aside from Galang, Bell also recognized the contributions of her other Chery Tiggo teammates, who all share the same goal and mindset of helping the Crossovers claim their first-ever Reinforced Championship.
“Everyone’s already grounded. They understand the mindset and the goal, so they don’t rely too much on me for direction,” Bell said.
“It’s just about stepping onto the court and focusing on the next game.”
