2 p.m. – ZUS Coffee vs Cignal
4 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Akari
6 p.m. – Capital1 vs Petro Gazz
Chery Tiggo subdued Nxled in three with a blend of top-notch hitting and outstanding digging, securing a 25-16, 25-20, 25-23 victory to wrest the solo Pool A lead in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig Saturday, July 20.
While the Chameleons mounted a strong resistance in the third set, the Crossovers displayed remarkable resilience, overturning a one-point deficit late in the frame. The one-hour, 33-minute victory mirrored their straight-set triumph over the Farm Fresh Foxies last Tuesday.
Kath Bell, who delivered an impressive 23-hit performance against the Foxies, fired 21 points and received solid support from Ara Galang, Mylene Paat, Mary Rhose Dapol and Shaya Adorador.
“Our mindset is to help Kath,” said Galang, who scored four points against the Foxies. “We can’t rely solely on our import, the locals need to contribute.”
This collective effort propelled the Crossovers to their second consecutive win in the single-round-robin preliminaries among six teams.
Galang shone with an all-around performance, scoring 11 points, including seven attacks and four blocks. She also demonstrated her defensive prowess with 11 digs, earning the game’s top honors.
Bell, who unloaded 19 attack points and two aces, spiked another impressive outing with 10 digs.
Jasmine Nabor tossed 12 excellent sets, while rookie Karen Verdeflor registered 10 excellent receptions.
Despite a spirited fightback from the Chameleons in the third set, where they briefly led 23-22 after a Jho Maraguinto hit, Chery Tiggo remained composed. Adorador fired an off-the-block to level the score, and after Trisha Genesis’s attack error put Chery Tiggo at match point, Bell sealed the win with a backrow attack that deflected off Maraguinot’s hands.
“Coach Kungfu Reyes told us to work hard and trust the team,” said Galang, reflecting on the coach’s instructions during their final huddle.
“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 Reyes.
Adorador finished with six points, while Dapol and Jasmine Nabor added three markers each. Paat and Aby Maraño contributed two points apiece for the Crossovers, who are scarcely feeling the absence of Alas Pilipinas members Eya Laure and Jen Nierva, along with the injured EJ Laure, thanks to their deep roster.
Chery Tiggo will try to make it three straight against Galeries Tower on Thursday.
Nxled, which edged Galeries Tower in five, also last Tuesday, slipped to 1-1.
Middle Meegan Hart scored nine points while Lycha Ebon and Jho Maraguinot finished with eight and seven markers and Genesis and playmaker Janel Maraguinot combined for nine points for the Chameleons.
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, and Genesis and playmaker Janel Maraguinot combined for nine points for the Chameleons.
Nxled will try to bounce back against Creamline, also on Thursday.
