Mylene Paat outshone Jonah Sabete in an intense showdown of power and composure between two of the league’s seasoned hitters down the stretch, steering the Chery Tiggo Crossovers to a thrilling 25-21, 18-25, 22-25, 25-19, 15-13 victory over the Petro Gazz Angels in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday night.
Struggling to find her rhythm for much of the match, Paat stepped up when it mattered most, unleashing three consecutive off-the-block hits – all against Sabete – to secure the crucial points that sealed the victory for the Crossovers, improving their record to 4-2.
While Sabete also delivered two crucial hits that forced the sixth and seventh deadlocks in the fifth set, she faltered in the final exchange, sending a blast long, unable to counter Paat’s decisive attack.
Despite the Angels challenging an alleged block touch against Alina Bicar, the call stood in favor of Chery Tiggo.
“Maganda ang performance kasi nanalo. Kung natalo, the other way around,” said Chery Tiggo coach Kung Fu Reyes in jest. “Pero yun nga, maganda yung naging last two sets namin kasi nga yung character na gusto namin mangyari, nandun na. Andun na rin yung communication, yung grit, hanggang dulo.”
“Masaya kasi nga maganda yung outcome ng preparation at ng pinaghirapan naming,” added Reyes.
The victory marked a significant follow-up for the Crossovers after their impressive, yet stunning win over the Creamline Cool Smashers last weekend, leveling them with the Angels at third spot in the standings.
Creamline remained at the helm with a 5-1 record, while Cignal, Choco Mucho and PLDT share second with 4-1 marks.
In a battle of adjustments and execution, Chery Tiggo rallied from a 1-2 set deficit with a dominant performance in the fourth set to force the third match that went the distance in the season-opening conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.
Despite squandering a 7-4 lead in the final set and conceding five straight points, the Crossovers regrouped and mounted a comeback, overcoming a two-point deficit at 8-10 with a 7-3 counterattack anchored on Paat’s stellar performance.
Eya Laure celebrated her special day with a conference-high 15-point output, emphasizing the team’s determination and hard work in their victory against the formidable Cool Smashers.
She also contributed 12 excellent digs to clinch the game’s top honors while receiving solid support from Ara Galang (12 points), Paat, and sister EJ, who matched 10-point outputs.
Pauline Gaston also sizzled with nine points while Cza Carandang added eight markers and Cess Robles and Aby Maraño chipped in seven and six points, points respectivley.
Chery Tiggo’s two-hour and 31-minute victory also spoiled Brooke Van Sickle’s impressive 27-point performance, also a conference-best, with her last three points forcing a standoff at 7.
Sabete finished with 22 points while Aiza Pontillas, Kecelyn Galdones, and Chie Saet added nine, eight, and seven points, respectively.
