Khat Bell heralded her arrival in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference with a stellar performance, propelling Chery Tiggo to a decisive 25-13, 27-25, 25-22 victory over Farm Fresh at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City Tuesday night.
Bell was a force to be reckoned with, racking up 23 points from 22 attacks and one block. She also contributed defensively with nine digs and six excellent receptions, helping the Crossovers secure an early lead in Pool A alongside Nxled.
In the third set, Ara Galang's critical net touch brought the Foxies within one point, at 22-23. However, a service error by Louie Romero handed Chery Tiggo a crucial point, and Farm Fresh’s import Yeny Murillo’s attempt was blocked, allowing the Crossovers to clinch a straight-set victory in one hour and 42 minutes.
Chery Tiggo had reached set point early in the second frame at 24-20, but a rally by Caitlin Viray, Trisha Tubu, and Rizza Cruz forced a deuce. A service error by Angelica Legacion, followed by a decisive hit from Bell, secured the set for Chery Tiggo, giving them a 2-0 lead.
Mary Rhose Dapol, returning to Chery Tiggo, supported Bell with eight points. Seth Rodriguez and Pauline Gaston each contributed five points, while the Crossovers capitalized on 27 points from Farm Fresh’s errors.
Chery Tiggo and Nxled will battle for the solo lead on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Farm Fresh, missing fourth overall pick Maicah Larroza, was led by converted outside hitter Viray, who scored 13 points.
Liseth Murillo, the Colombian reinforcement, added 10 points, 10 digs, and eight receptions. The Foxies will face a tougher challenge against the Creamline Cool Smashers at 6 p.m. this weekend.
