The Chery Tiggo Crossovers are hoping to bring back Jen Nierva and Mylene Paat soon as the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference is now underway.
The Chery Tiggo Crossovers were notably without some of their stars to open the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Sitting on the team’s bench was star libero Jen Nierva, while opposite hitter and former MVP Mylene Paat was not spotted inside the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City Tuesday.
Despite this, the Crossovers pulled off a hard-fought victory against the Capital1 Solar Spikers, 20-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-18, 15-11, to give new coach Norman Miguel his first win in the PVL.
When asked about the status of Nierva and Paat, the former NU Lady Bulldogs champion coach gave some quick updates about the two.
“Si Jen, meron pa siyang last phase ng kanyang strengthening but itong second game ready to [play] na siya. Si Mylene naman may strengthening pang ginagawa,” Miguel said during the post-game press conference.
Luckily for Miguel, he is no stranger to some of his players on the squad, including Nierva who came from the NU system. She is joined by Princess Robles and Joyme Cagande from a pool of champion Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP.
As he continues to gel with his new squad, Miguel said that his connection with some of his players in the past has helped him in building chemistry for the retooled Crossovers.
“Para sa akin malaking bagay ‘yun kasi dun ako nakaka-establish ng connection sa kanila. Well, hindi lang kay Cess, kay Jen, kay Joyme but nung dumating din ako dun medyo naga-adjust pa pero ‘yung approach ko sa kanila parang pantay lang tayo,” Miguel explained.
“Happy naman ako na maganda ‘yung response nila sa ganun pero hindi ko sinasabi completely naka-connect na ako sa kanila. In the process pa rin ako talaga. Maganda lang nagta-translate sa kanila,” he added.
Looking ahead to their next game against the Cignal HD Spikers, Miguel is particularly focused on one aspect in Chery Tiggo’s preparations.
“On the technical skills nakita pa namin mga lapses namin—of course number one passing, service errors namin. Pero sakin mas importante kasi coming to the second game against Cignal na kailangan mabigyan namin ng pansin ‘yung health and fitness ng mga players namin,” said Miguel.
“‘Yun muna ang kailangan namin i-prioritize. Technical skills nandiyan naman everyday. Mahirap puro ka technical pero unhealthy mga players,” he emphasized.
The Crossovers will face the HD Spikers next Thursday, Nov. 21 at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan at 4:30 p.m.