Chery Tiggo Crossovers’ Ara Galang. –PNVF PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Newcomers Aby Maraño and Ara Galang conspired with Mylene Paat to lead Chery Tiggo to a decent bronze medal finish in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League after sweeping College of Saint Benilde, 25-20, 25-13, 25-13, on Saturday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Licking the wounds of their straight-set loss to Petro Gazz in the semifinal less than 24 hours ago, Paat led the Crossovers with 11 points including three blocks to beat the Lady Blazers in just 75 minutes.
Galang ended her first tournament with Chery Tiggo with 10 points a bronze, while Maraño also scored 10 after catching fire in the third set, nailing four of their six straight points for a 15-8 spread and never looked back to get the win.
“We’re happy because we’re able to protect the top three. It was a great start with Ara and Aby to experience this tournament,” Chery Tiggo coach KungFu Reyes said in Filipino. “ This will help us in our PVL campaign because we’re still adjusting in terms of our system and chemistry as well as our attacks and defense with Ara and Aby.”
Eya Laure and Pauline Gaston chipped in six points each, while Joyme Cagande accomplished her PNVF stint as Chery Tiggo’s lone setter.
Reyes lauded the leadership of Maraño, who was tapped as the team captain after choosing the Crossovers as her new home after F2 Logistics’ disbandment.
“She’s an icon for the players. She’s born to be a leader and she’s been embracing her role, making life easier for her teammates in doing their respective roles,” said the Chery Tiggo coach after winning four of their six matches in the week-long tournament.
St. Benilde placed fourth as no one scored in double figures with Gayle Pascual leading the way with seven points.