We already know there’s more to Cheng than unorthodox sets. India had to learn that the hard way.
In a game that saw Aiza Maizo-Pontilla turn back the hands of time (again) and Shaya Adorador turn in an offensive outburst, Djanel Cheng emerged as the unsung hero.
Known more for her unorthodox sets, Cheng made the key plays in the Philippines’ thrilling 25-22, 26-28, 11-25, 29-27, 18-16 win over India in the AVC Challenge Cup classification match on Wednesday.
The Petro Gazz Angels setter had 2 blocks in the homestretch, with the last one giving the Philippines a 16-15 edge. If that wasn't enough, Cheng sealed the win against the pool C leader with an ace.
The big win improves the Filipina spikers’ chances of making the semifinals of the competition, with the team set to face Australia in another classification game on June 23 at the Tri Dharma Petrokimia Gresik Gymnasium in East Java, Indonesia.
Meanwhile, Pontillas continued to prove her worth as a 35-year-old national team member with a tour de force, 24-point performance.
Pontillas and Adorador conspired in the fourth frame, with the latter scoring three straight aces to regain the lead before the former UST Golden Tigresses star scored three more points to extend the match to a fifth set.
The two brought that same intensity to the deciding frame, but it was Cheng’s crucial plays down the stretch that keyed the victory for the Philippines.
(MDB)