CHERY Tiggo dealt the final blow to PLDT’s perfect three-game start in Pool A as it hacked out a 25-19, 20-25, 25-20, 21-25, 15-10 victory in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
Khat Bell became the league’s joint-fifth single-game scoring-record leader with 39 points built on 33 attacks, five blocks and one ace, tying Paymaya import Tess Rountree’s output in the 2018 edition of the import-laden conference.
The Crossovers forged a three-way logjam for the pool lead with Creamline and PLDT at 3-1, all with a chance to lock in the top three and advance to a more favorable Pool C in Round 2 where they’ll match up with the bottom three in Pool B.
Bell shrugged off a massive scoring night and lamented her error-laden run — one which she believes could’ve raised her output.
“39 points is alright but I had a lot of errors tonight, which I wish I wouldn’t have had. But obviously, the goal is to get three points (for the team) tonight and I’ll take two (in the five-set win),” the American spiker said.
“Honestly, I think I probably just had 10 (points) but I feel good. I’m glad we got the win tonight and that’s the positive thing.”
Despite cramping up in the final set, Ara Galang had her imprints all over the game with 23 markers on 19 attacks, two blocks and two aces.
Even in defeat, it was a strong showing across the board for PLDT with staggering numbers from Lena Samoilenko who finished with 24 points and Erika Santos who added 20.
Fiola Ceballos had herself a night with a triple-double of 16 points, 24 receptions and 14 digs paired with skipper Kath Arado’s 14-14 defensive double-double.
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