MANILA, Philippines — The Chery Tiggo Crossovers were literally saved by the bell.
It was sounded by the mercurial Kath Bell, who went on a scoring spree in powering Chery Tiggo to a 25-18, 25-18, 25-19 victory over ZUS Coffee yesterday at the MOA Arena and straight into the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference quarterfinals.
Bell was relentless up front, unloading a match-high 28 points, 24 of which came off spikes while four from blocks, as the Crossovers claimed their fifth win in seven outings and a spot to the knockout phase.
But the 31-year-old American from Mesquite, Texas was quick to share the praise to her teammates.
“I’m super proud of them,” said Bell.
In the second game, Petro Gazz outlasted a feisty PLDT, 22-25, 25-19, 23-25, 25-19, 16-14, to bolster its quarterfinal hope with a 4-3 card.
The High Speed Hitters slipped to 5-2.
The Crossovers did it minus a key part of the rotation in Ara Galang, who sat out the game due to shoulder issues.
In the nightcap, Creamline erased a nine-point third-set deficit to down little sister Choco Mucho, 25-16, 25-19, 31-29, and improve to 5-2.
The Flying Titans dropped to 2-5.
PVL notes: Former league star Jaja Santiago has officially received her Japanese citizenship and a new name – Sachi Minowa. She’s the wife of Akari coach Taka Minowa.