PVL: Mylene Paat topscores as Chery Tiggo sweeps Gerflor
Mylene Paat and the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the PVL Invitational Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Mylene Paat ended her scoring slump as she unleashed 15 points to lead Chery Tiggo past Gerflor, 25-19, 25-20, 25-18, for its second straight win in Pool A in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference on Thursday at Philsports Arena.
After averaging only 10.0 points in their first two games, the Crossovers captain dropped her best game yet in the midseason tournament, nailing 10 spikes, four blocks, and an ace.
“I’m happy that I was able to perform [well] in this game,” said Paat in Filipino. “I always tell my teammates that not all the points will come from spikes. I can also help through other skills like blocks and service, which can be a big help to our teammates.”
LOOK: Player of the game Mylene Paat joined by her fiancé Sergey Rezanov. #PVL2023 | @LanceAgcaoiliINQ pic.twitter.com/odaMiEVJeL
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) July 13, 2023
Paat nailed her lone ace in the third set to give Chery Tiggo a 20-15 lead. Alyssa Bertolano trimmed it to a four-point deficit but Cess Robles followed by the former’s attack error put the Crossovers at match point, 24-18, before Cza Carandang nailed the game-winning block to end the one-hour and 40-minute match.
Chery Tiggo’s leading scorer Eya Laure only played in the first set and scored three points as coach Aaron Velez had the luxury of rotating all his players. Pauline Gaston had seven points including two aces. EJ Laure and Carandang also scored seven points each, as Imee Hernandez added six.
Chery Tiggo coach Aaron Velez. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“We’re all happy with how all the players performed. Definitely, there is still a lot to improve on. We need to start well. I think that’s one thing that we have to make up,” said Velez. “I like the fact that everybody was able to step inside the court. We also have to work out on our chemistry and communication for smoother preparation for our next match.”
Chery Tiggo improved to 2-1 in Pool A in the second seed as it eyes a semifinal berth against PLDT on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
Gerflor absorbed its second loss in the group, falling into the brink of elimination with Bertolano being the lone bright spot with 15 points off 12 spikes, two blocks, and an ace on top of 12 excellent receptions and seven digs.
The Defenders will try to save their semis hopes against the PLDT High Speed Hitters on Saturday at 12 noon.
