CHERY Tiggo blew past reigning PNVF Champions League winner College of St. Benilde in a tightly-contested four-set battle, 29-27, 27-29, 25-18, 25-23, for its opening win of the preseason tournament on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Former Premier Volleyball League (PVL) MVP Mylene Paat delivered the goods with 16 points (nine in Set 1) on 13 attacks, two blocks, and an ace to make up for a dismal debut against Cignal in its tournament opener.
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"Ang naging advantage lang namin siguro yung pagiging matured na ng mga players sa loob ng court kasi first two sets, medyo struggle eh," said Chery Tiggo deputy coach Brian Esquibel, who filled in for Kungfu Reyes as he attends to the UAAP Season 86 Final Four stepladder match of the University of Sto. Tomas girls' volleyball team versus Nazareth School of National University.
"Sabi ko lang kailangan natin mas maging matured kasi kung sasabay tayo sa laro nila, makakakuha at makakakuha sila ng set kasi nag-vovolleyball sila. Inalis lang namin yung pagiging seryoso at ine-enjoy lang ang volleyball sa court.
"Isang factor na rin 'yung (new team and new players). Hindi pa gamay ‘yung bawat isa. Andon yung skills ng individual pero yung as a team, mino-mold pa lang namin," he added.
Skipper Aby Maraño, who pitched in 12 points alongside Ara Galang and Cza Carandang, had nothing but praise for the agile and versatile Lady Blazers side which fought tough and hard to the finish.
"Grabe 'yung game namin kasi kahit ilang beses namin paluin 'yung bola namin, 'yung mga bata, maliksi at magaling talaga sila dumepensa. I think 'yung pinaka-naging advantage na lang namin is 'yung gulang kasi siyempre matatanda (na rin kami)," she said.
Both teams now share an even 1-1 (win-loss) slate ahead of the fourth day of the elimination round in which Chery Tiggo takes on Petro Gazz (1-1) and Benilde eyes redemption versus Cignal (2-0).
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