In a twist of fate that fans of Philippine volleyball could only dream of, Khat Bell is overjoyed to have Ara Galang on her side of the court for Chery Tiggo in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
The once fierce rivals are now teammates, and Bell couldn’t be more thrilled.
Bell and Galang’s history is one of fierce competition.
Bell, known for her explosive play with the Blaze Spikers, faced off against Galang’s Cargo Movers in numerous high-stakes finals in 2018 and 2019.
Reflecting on their past battles, Bell acknowledges the shift in dynamic with palpable excitement.
“It’s definitely less stressful having her [Ara Galang] on my team. I watched her closely during the last two seasons I’ve been here. I admire her work ethic,” Bell shared after Chery Tiggo’s decisive 25-16, 25-20, and 25-23 victory over Nxled.
This win secured their position at the top of Pool A and maintained their unbeaten streak.
Now that they are teammates, Bell has noticed significant improvements in Galang’s game.
“She’s attacking a lot higher and more effectively than in the last few years. Her strength is incredible. I can tell she’s been working hard in the gym, and I’m just so glad to have her as a teammate and not as an opponent anymore,” Bell added.
In their recent match, Galang contributed 11 points—seven attacks, four blocks, and 11 digs—complementing Bell’s 21-point performance and proving their formidable synergy.
Beyond her admiration for Galang, Bell also lauded the collective spirit of her Chery Tiggo teammates.
The Crossovers are united by a common goal: to secure their first-ever Reinforced Championship.
“Everyone’s already grounded. They understand the mindset and the goal, so they don’t rely too much on me for direction,” Bell explained. “It’s just about stepping onto the court and focusing on the next game.”
