MANILA – Chery Tiggo Crossovers clinched a quarterfinal seat in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference with a 25-18, 25-18, 25-19 sweep over ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
American import Khat Bell spearheaded the offense with 28 points, including 24 attacks and four blocks, to go with seven excellent receptions as the Crossovers improved to a 5-2 win-loss slate.
Mylene Paat delivered 11 points, including eight attacks, two blocks, and one service ace, for the Crossovers, which secured the victory despite the absence of injured Ara Galang.
“Marami pang dapat i-adjust though nanalo kami pero ire-ready pa rin namin ‘yung team for the quarterfinals,” Chery Tiggo head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes said after the game.
The Crossovers sustained a consistent performance against the Thunderbelles throughout the match, closing out each set strongly by pulling away from tight scores midway through.
“I’m so proud of my teammates. I admire their attitude and motivation to get back to the gym this week and really work hard. They really put in some effort this week, and I’m super proud of them,” said Bell.
Japanese import Asaka Tamaru led the Thunderbelles with 12 points and nine receptions, while Michelle Gamit added nine points as they dropped to a 0-7 win-loss record.
Meanwhile, Petro Gazz Angels recovered from a set down to defeat PLDT High Speed Hitters, 22-25, 25-19, 23-25, 25-19, 16-14, securing their third consecutive victory to improve to a 4-3 win-loss slate.
Wilma Salas delivered a career-high 40 points, surpassing her previous best of 37 in 2019, while Brooke Van Sickle contributed 32 markers and 10 excellent digs for the Angels.
Salas capped her performance with a decisive backrow attack that broke a 14-all count in the fifth set before Van Sickle converted a powerful final hit to secure the come-from-behind win./PN
