Paat, Chery Tiggo gain lead share after running over F2     

Mylene Paat and Chery Tiggo Crossovers. –PVL PHOTO

Mylene Paat and Chery Tiggo made F2 Logistics seem like it way out of its league on Thursday, surprising even the Crossovers’ mentor.

“We know for a fact that F2 is not an easy team. They also had a two-game winning streak. That’s why this was overwhelming,” said Chery Tigggo coach Aaron Velez after his side’s stunning 25-19, 25-14. 25-16 victory in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at Philsports Arena.

Paat poured in a game-high 22 points off 20 attacks, one block, and an ace to lead another balanced attack from the Crossovers, who banked on superb efforts from two players who delivered outside of producing points.

Setter Alina Bicar’s brilliant playmaking greased Chery Tiggo’s offense, serving up 20 excellent sets that helped the Crossovers to a whopping 54-22 edge in attack points. Libero Buding Duremdes, meanwhile, protected the floor with 25 digs and 13 excellent receptions to mute the Cargo Movers’ scoring efforts.

Great collaboration

“We just did what our coaches have been telling us,” Duremdes said.

“All the members of our team have a great collaboration,” Velez said in Filipino. “I’m so proud of the ladies, how they were really working hard. They played their hearts out and they offered themselves to each other.”

Shaya Adorador chipped in 13 points for the Crossovers. EJ Laure had 12 points and 15 digs, while Cza Carandang added 10 points.

The Crossovers pulled away in the second set with a 20-8 margin after scoring 12 of the last 14 points capped by Paat’s kill to easily take a two-set advantage.

“We’re really thankful that all our hard work is bearing fruit,” Paat said after the Crossovers’ third straight win tied them with the idling Creamline Cool Smashers for the early lead. “Of course, [our performance] looks good and feels great.”

The Cargo Movers scored the first two points of the third but the Crossovers were able to regain their momentum, 10-9, before pulling away, 21-13.

Myla Pablo needed 44 attempts to get to just nine points for F2 Logistics, which slipped to a 2-1 record. Majoy Baron, playing her first game this conference, finished with six points, including four blocks.