Mylene Paat outshone Jonah Sabete in an intense showdown of power and composure between two of the league’s seasoned hitters down the stretch, steering the Chery Tiggo Crossovers to a thrilling 25-21, 18-25, 22-25, 25-19, 15-13 victory over the Petro Gazz Angels in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Thursday night.
Struggling to find her rhythm for much of the match, Paat stepped up when it mattered most, unleashing three consecutive off-the-block hits – all against Sabete – to secure the crucial points that sealed the victory for the Crossovers, improving their record to 4-2.
While Sabete also delivered two crucial hits that forced the sixth and seventh deadlocks in the fifth set, she faltered in the final exchange, sending a blast long, unable to counter Paat’s decisive attack.
Despite the Angels challenging an alleged block touch against Alina Bicar, the call stood in favor of Chery Tiggo.
“Maganda ang performance kasi nanalo. Kung natalo, the other way around,” said Chery Tiggo coach Kung Fu Reyes in jest. “Pero yun nga, maganda yung naging last two sets namin kasi nga yung character na gusto namin mangyari, nandun na. Andun na rin yung communication, yung grit, hanggang dulo.”
“Masaya kasi nga maganda yung outcome ng preparation at ng pinaghirapan naming,” added Reyes.
The victory marked a significant follow-up for the Crossovers after their impressive, yet stunning win over the Creamline Cool Smashers last weekend, leveling them with the Angels at third spot in the standings.
Creamline remained at the helm with a 5-1 record, while Cignal, Choco Mucho and PLDT share second with 4-1 marks.
