Mylene Paat (No. 7) carried the scoring cudgels for Chery Tiggo. —PVL PHOTO
Chery Tiggo’s local crew bought more time for its import to adjust her game as the Crossovers pounced on a depleted F2 Logistics, 25-23, 25-21, 25-22, in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at PhilSports Arena.
Mylene Paat had 16 points while EJ Laure added 11, including three big points that engineered a 7-0 exchange and allowed the Crossovers to take the first set after trailing, 18-23.
“We’re really happy because the locals performed well,” said Chery Tiggo coach Clarence Esteban in Filipino.
Paat and Laure helped offset the performance of Chery Tiggo’s Montenegrin import Jelena Cvijovic, who was held to just six points. Cvijovic turned her focus on defending instead and produced 10 excellent receptions and seven digs.
“She (Cvijovic) is still adjusting. But in the end, she got her rhythm. She was just F2’s target, but she was able to help our team with her service and defense. She just needs to adapt the style of play here in the Philippines,” Esteban said.
Petro Gazz had little problems with its own import in a 27-25, 25-22, 28-26 victory over Choco Mucho in the other game.
Lindsey Vander Weide assembled 25 points on 20 attacks, three blocks and two aces as she went toe-to-toe with the Flying Titans’ reinforcement, Odina Aliyeva, who finished with 26 points in the match that lasted for an hour and 41 minutes.
“What can I say [about] Lindsey? She’s okay with the locals attitude-wise. She’s very coachable,” said Petro Gazz coach Rald Ricafort. INQ