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Ara Galang turns back the clock in severely shorthanded Chery Tiggo’s five-set escape of gutsy Capital1, while returning Savi Davison lifts PLDT past Chiara Permentilla-led Nxled
MANILA, Philippines – Ara Galang turned back the clock in her first appearance for the 2024-2025 PVL All-Filipino Conference as the severely shorthanded Chery Tiggo Crossovers denied a five-set upset bid by the Capital1 Solar Spikers, 20-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-18, 15-11, on Tuesday, November 12.
The former La Salle superstar uncorked a game-high 23 points on 18 attacks, 4 blocks, and 1 ace as Chery played without now-free agents EJ Laure and Buding Duremedes, the embattled Eya Laure, and injured key cogs Jen Nierva and former PVL MVP Mylene Paat.
Former UAAP Finals MVP Cess Robles likewise had a monster two-way line of 12 points and a staggering 27 excellent digs, while libero Karen Verdeflor was not far behind with 24 excellent digs.
Coming off a breakout fourth set that featured the match’s biggest point differential, Chery carried its momentum straight to the conference’s first fifth frame, rolling to a 4-1 start before Capital1 rebounded with a 9-all tie.
The Solar Spikers, however, crumbled in the clutch with a pair of costly miscues, highlighted by a failure to dig Galang’s simple free ball followed by an Aby Maraño ace for the 11-9 lead.
Former NCAA MVP Daps Dapol then blocked Julia Ipac, 12-9, before an Ipac attack error all but spelled the end for the valiant Capital1 charge, 13-9. Dapol then clinched match point off a crosscourt hit, 14-11, before Maraño sealed the deal with one final ace for the win.
“I have nothing else to say because in training, after the technical skills, we always remind that what’s most important is their character develops some maturity,” said PVL debutant coach and UAAP champion mentor Norman Miguel in Filipino.
“So when we reached the fifth set, that’s it. We said it’s not about skills, we will fight with the character you display. It translated and I’m happy about it.”
PVL No. 2 overall pick Leila Cruz, now without super import Marina Tushova to lead the way, showcased her massive potential in the loss with a team-high 20 points off 14 attacks, 5 blocks, and 1 ace, to go with 16 excellent digs
Veterans Patty Orendain and Heather Guino-o scored 14 and 12, respectively, while Roma Mae Doromal carried the defense with a game-high 28 excellent digs.
Savi Davison flashes stardom anew in PLDT return
Meanwhile, the shorthanded PLDT High Speed Hitters kicked off their new conference with a four-set win over the retooling Nxled Chameleons, 25-15, 25-17, 22-25, 25-22.
Although missing star spiker Kianna Dy and veteran setter Kim Fajardo, PLDT celebrated the return of Fil-Canadian standout Savi Davison, who led five High Speed Hitters in double-digit scoring with 19 points.
Young playmaker Angge Alcantara filled in admirably for Fajardo in the win, tallying 13 excellent sets and helping the likes of Erika Santos (15 points), Majoy Baron (14 points), and returning Alas Pilipinas role player Dell Palomata (10 points) score double figures.
Fil-Italian hitter Chiara Permentilla excelled in her first official game under Italian coach Ettore Guidetti, erupting for a game-high 21 points, 15 excellent receptions, and 10 excellent digs, while Lycha Ebon scored 15 in the encouraging loss. – Rappler.com
