Games Tuesday

(Philsports Arena)

4 p.m. – Nxled vs PLDT

6 p.m. – Petro Gazz vs Choco Mucho

Chery Tiggo pulled ahead of the pack with an expected 25-12, 25-17, 25-19 victory over Strong Group on Saturday, Feb. 24, completing its domination of the Premier Volleyball League’s two newcomers while bracing for a formidable challenge against a top contender in the All-Filipino Conference.

Coach Kungfu Reyes strategically rotated all 14 players for the second consecutive game, showcasing the depth of the Crossovers’ roster, its second unit proving as strong as the first, leading to another virtual workout. They efficiently dispatched the Athletics in just 71 minutes at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Though Strong Group put up a tough stand in the third and threatened at 18-22, Chery Tiggo cruised to victory just the same as it scored three of the last four points, the clincher coming from an Athletics’ net violation, denying what could have been an emphatic signature slide attack by Aby Maraño.

“We’re getting better every game, ‘yun naman hinahabol namin. Na-execute naman namin ‘yung mga magagandang plays kaya happy naman kahit papaano,” said Reyes.

The victory followed a similarly dominant showing in the opening match against the Capital1 Solar Spikers, whom they clobbered, 25-6, 25-15, 25-15, in Tuesday’s inaugurals of the league organized by Sports Vision.

Mylene Paat spearheaded the attack with 10 points, while EJ Laure came through with nine points, middle Cza Carandang and Cess Robless posted seven markers each, and Maraño and Eya Laure finished with six and five points, respectively, for the Crossovers, who pounded the Athletics with 52 attacks.

They hardly imposed their strength on the net, matching the Athletics’ one-block effort but scored six aces, four more than their rivals.

Strong Group produced 28 attacks.

With a 2-0 start, Chery Tiggo now leads the 12-team field and enjoys a week-long rest before a challenging matchup against Choco Mucho next Saturday.

“Our first two games are of big help for the team, especially in the fielding of players and the decision-making of our coaches,” said Paat, recognizing the depth of their roster. “Dapat lahat kami ready talaga at magagamit naming tong mga panalo against Choco Mucho.”

She also stressed their respect for all opponents, saying: “We respect all the teams and players. Lahat sila, pinag-aaralan namin.”

Despite Chery Tiggo’s schooling Capital1 and Strong Group, the latter remains optimistic about learning from the experience, having slipped to 0-2.

Strong Group earlier absorbed a 12-25, 20-25, 12-25 beating from Petro Gazz.

Notably, Paat’s intimidating performance stood out, converting most attempts and leaving the Strong Group defense struggling to contain her shots.

But the Athletics did show potentials with Justine Rebleza, Dolly Versoza and Sheeka Espinosa finishing with eight points apiece and Souzan Raslan and Noheli Cerdenia combining for five points.

Rebleza had high points in the match, scoring back-to-back aces in the second set and scoring a hit from the backrow, while Versoza and Espinosa provided sparks from both wings.