PVL: Chery Tiggo locals making sure they got Khat Bell’s back

Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the PVL Reinforced Conference.–PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Khat Bell may be at the forefront of Chery Tiggo’s offense but her local teammates have been stepping up and providing solid support, leading to their good start in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.

Chery Tiggo survived a tough challenge from a winless but gritty Galeries Tower, 25-17, 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, to finish Pool A with a 4-1 record on Thursday at Philsports Arena.

Bell pounded Galeries with 25 points on top of 12 excellent receptions and eight digs, while Ara Galang backstopped her with 16 points including a game-high five blocks to lead the locals’ balanced attack.

READ: PVL: Chery Tiggo rises to 4-1, tops Galeries as first round ends

The Crossovers on sustaining their momentum to the next round. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/FAgFefvAOP

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 8, 2024

“Our teamwork is important. Although we have an import, we have to help her and can’t rely on her alone. Us, locals, have to work harder so it will be easier for Khat and the whole team,” said Galang in Filipino.

Setter Jasmine Nabor had 10 excellent sets on top of five points, as Pauline Gaston, Shaya Adorador, Mary Rhose Dapol, and Seth Rodriguez also contributed to secure a ticket to Pool C, where Chery battles Choco Mucho, Petro Gazz, and ZUS Coffee next round.

Adorador agreed with Galang that they need to support Bell more, especially next round to reach the quarterfinals.

READ: PVL: Chery Tiggo’s Khat Bell not satisfied after 39-point outburst

“Ate Khat can’t do it alone. We know that she also gets tired and struggles sometimes. So we need teamwork,” said Adorador in Filipino after scoring six points. “We have to train every day and keep on improving the aspects that we lack and listening to the input of our coaches.”

Galang urges the whole team to work harder as the competition gets tougher starting next week.

“We can do more and contribute more. We can still improve from this so we have to keep on working,” she said.