Despite trailing for most of the match, the Chery Tiggo Crossovers found a way to take down the Capital1 Solar Spikers for their first win in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Chery Tiggo’s character was immediately tested against Capital1 right in their opening match of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The Crossovers, now under UAAP champion coach Norman Miguel, responded firmly after closing out the Solar Spikers in five sets, 20-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-18, 15-11, at the PhilSports Arena on Tuesday evening, Nov. 12.
With his first win already secured, Miguel had high praises for the composure shown by the team, especially in the final frame to secure the victory.
“Wala akong masabi kasi pag sa training naman usually after ng mga technical skills, ang lagi namin nire-remind namin sa kanila pinaka-importante dito ‘yung nade-develop ‘yung character saka ‘yung maturity,” Miguel said during the post-game press conference.
“So, nung umabot kami ng fifth set, so that’s it. Sabi namin hindi na ito about skills, lalaban tayo character na ilalabas niyo. Nag-translate naman and sobrang saya,” he added.
Chery Tiggo is coming to the new season without Eya Laure, EJ Laure, and Buding Duremdes, who all departed during the offseason.
[ALSO READ: PVL Team Preview: Chery Tiggo begins quick rebuild following departure of key veterans ahead of All-Filipino Conference]
Despite the key losses, Miguel is looking to instill a new mentality and character for the Crossovers.
“Gaya ng sabi so kanila, ‘yung nangyari sa team namin ayoko siyang sabihin din naman na baka mas nakabuti pa kasi nag-step up mga players pero ‘yun ‘yung ini-instill namin sa kanila na ‘yung team natin ma-ano as binubuhat ng isang player,” said Miguel.
“Ang lagi naming sinasabi ay dapat lahat kayo magbu-buhatan, hindi lang ‘yung isa o dalawa,” he added.
Ara Galang, Cess Robles, and Shaya Adorador stepped up in the absence of Laure sisters and Duremdes, helping the Crossovers begin their campaign on a good note.
Galang put up 23 points on 18 attacks, four blocks, and an ace, while Robles contributed 12 points and 27 excellent digs.
Adorador added 11 points in three sets of play, while Mary Rhose Dapol had eight points also in just three frames.
Leila Cruz had a career-high 20 points on 14 attacks, five blocks, and an ace, while also tallying 16 digs for Capital1. Patty Orendain added 14 points, while Heather Guino-o chipped in 12 points off the bench.
The Crossovers will go for their second win against the Cignal HD Spikers next Thursday, Nov. 21, while the Solar Spikers battle the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on the same day at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan.