Cot Bell and Chery Tiggo celebrate their victory over the ZUS Coffee Thunderbells in the PVL Reinforced Conference.–Marlowe Cueto/Inquirer.net
MANILA, Philippines — Cherry Tiggo advanced to the quarterfinal round of the PVL Reinforced Conference after beating common opponent ZUS Coffee, 25-18, 25-18, 25-19, on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Khat Bell led the Crossovers with 28 points from 24 attacks, including 44 percent attack efficiency and four blocks, leading the score to 5-2.
“There is still a lot to adjust. Even though we won, we still need to prepare the team for the quarterfinals,” coach Kungfu Reyes said in Filipino.
Read: PVL: Choco Mucho continues his dominance, defeats Cherry Tiggo
Cherry Tiggo coaches Kungfu Reyes and Cot Bell after their stunning win. #PVL2024 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/55aQSV5ttw
— Lance Agcaoil (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 17, 2024
“We have played a few games where we have done well especially in the nets but the shortcomings we need to improve upon are still there so we need to improve on them during training,” he said.
Cherry Tiggo Ara Galang’s injured teammate and second-best scorer Mylene Pat scored 11 points to help the Crossovers recover from their loss to Choco Mucho.
“We were able to control ZUS Coffee but in the first set [the Thunderbelles’] The rallies were really good but in the mid-game we found our timing towards the end,” Reyes said.
The Thunderbells, who were helped by Japanese player Asaka Tamaru’s 12 points, were looking for a crucial win after losing all seven of their games.
With little resistance from ZUS Coffee, Cherry Tiggo took a 5-1 lead to take a 20-15 lead in the deciding set.
Read: PVL: Chery Tiggo locals ensure they get the support of Cot Bell
Bell held off Mitch Gambit, who had nine points, and then scored the final five points on crossovers to secure the win.
“I’m so proud of our team. I admire their attitude and motivation to get back in the gym and work really hard this week. They really put in some effort this week,” Bell said.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
ZUS will get one last chance to get a win in this conference against Creamline on Thursday.
Chery Tiggo can improve its position if it is successful against Petro Gaz on Thursday.
