Khat Bell is back and she speaks highly on rookie teammate Karen Verdeflor with the Chery Tiggo Crossovers.
Back like she never left.
In her first game back in the Philippines in four years, Khat Bell bared the same approach she always set for herself, this time playing as import for the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference
“I’m coming with the same mentality and mindset,” Bell told reporters after the Crossovers’ straight-set dismissal of the Farm Fresh Foxies for a winning start on Tuesday, July 16.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Khat Bell shows off dominance in Chery Tiggo’s opening-day sweep of Farm Fresh in Reinforced Conference]
Bell went to work and immediately stamped her class, chalking up a team-high 21 points, built on 20 attacks and a block. This marks a triumphant return to the country after various stints in the international volleyball scene.
“It’s all about just coming in, just being humble and making sure I’m doing my due diligence as a player," she said.
In her first game back, the 31-year-old acknowledged the way Philippine volleyball is played “faster” now, while also giving credit to rookie teammate Karen Verdeflor, who made her PVL debut against the Foxies.
“The defense is insane. The liberos that are playing right now in the league are amazing,” Bell admitted.
“Speaking of Karen [Verdeflor], I think she is absolutely ecstatic. [She] is such a dog. I can’t wait to see her develop for sure.”
A two-time champion in the now-defunct Philippine Super Liga, Bell is quick to jell with the team that finished fourth in the last All-Filipino Conference.
“Being able to come here [Chery Tiggo] and being able to get into the dynamics of the team really quickly, they made it so easy for me.”
The Crossovers will next play the Chameleons, who won earlier against the Galeries Highrisers in five sets, in Pool A play on Saturday, July 20, with both teams seeking back-to-back wins.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Nxled import Meegan Hart shines in Reinforced Conference debut, looks forward to duel vs friend Brooke Van Sickle]