MANILA – Victorinara “Ara” Galang impresses in Chery Tiggo Crossovers debut. They swept Capital1 Solar Energy Solar Spikers, 25-6, 25-15, 25-15, in the Premier Volleyball League 1st All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday night at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Galang concluded with 12 points, showcasing nine attacks, two service aces, and one block, earning her the title of Player of the Game in the Crossovers’ commanding season-opening victory against the Solar Spikers.
“First game, siyempre, excited kaming lahat. Masaya lang ako na maglaro kasama ‘yung mga new teammates ko,” Galang said in a post-game interview. “Hindi naman naging mahirap ‘yung adjustment ko dito, pero kulang pa.”
“Doing good naman ang adjustment namin ni Tyang (Abigail Maraño) dito, pero personally, I will be more efficient sa team in our next games,” added the former F2 Logistics Cargo Movers star.
Mylene Paat provided offensive support to Galang with 11 markers; Maraño concluded with six points in her Chery Tiggo debut; and Pauline Gaston and Ennajie Laure contributed five points each.
No player reached double digits for the Solar Spikers, with Jannine Navarro emerging as the top scorer with six points, while Patty Jane Orendain and Sydney Niegos concluded with five markers apiece.
Nicole Tiamzon showcased offensive efficiency as Petro Gazz Angels launched their with a commanding 25-12, 25-20, 25-12 victory over newcomer Strong Group Athletics (SGA).
The former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons standout finished with 15 points on 13 attacks and two service aces to be named Player of the Game as the Angels tied the Crossovers with 1-0 record.
Despite the win, Angels head coach Koji Tsuzurabara was not satisfied, acknowledging the nervous energy within the team, especially in the second set, but praised the players for adjusting.
“Their performance is ‘so-so’, they could have done better,” Tsuzurabara said in a post-game interview. “All players seemed nervous, so no good movement, so they made some mistakes.”/PN
