The game started at 9:30 a.m.
In a short conference where every game weighs just a little bit more than the usual, the Chery Tiggo Crossovers had to weather struggles after Thursday's morning game. Pro athletes, after all, usually wake up later due to their afternoon and evening games.
Yet, the Crossovers posted their most impressive performance so far in the PVL Invitational Conference, defeating the Gerflor Defenders in straight sets, 25-19, 25-20, 25-18.
After losing to the Creamline Cool Smashers and clawing out a five-set triumph over the Akari Chargers in their previous outings, the Crossovers’ record now stands at two wins and one defeat, which is good enough for second place in Pool A as of this writing. That's where they want to be as the top two teams from each pool will advance.
What the box score doesn't outright show is the sluggish start of Chery Tiggo. Mylene Paat, who scored a game-high 15 points off 10 attacks, 4 blocks, and an ace, attributed her squad’s early struggles to the unusual morning schedule of the match.
“Actually, sabaw pa talaga ‘yung bawat isa kasi nga morning, ‘Good morning talaga.’ So, slow start kami,” the prolific spiker said after the match.
“Pero at the end of the set naman, nakabawi kami at lumabas pa rin ‘yung composure ng bawat isa,” Paat added.
Mama P had a solid showing, which was perhaps inspired by the presence of her fiancé Sergey Rezanov. The Kazakh volleyball star was at the game to support his girlfriend, and even joined Paat’s Best Player of the Game interview.
“It’s been a great game. She [Paat] is looking for everyone, her new teammates. She’s so supportive of her team. I like it,” said Rezanov.
Paat and the rest of the Crossovers will look to ride the momentum they have as they go up against the PLDT High Speed Hitters on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
(GM)