December 07, 2024

PVL Team Preview: Chery Tiggo begins quick rebuild following departure of key veterans ahead of All-Filipino Conference

PVL Team Preview: Chery Tiggo begins quick rebuild following departure of key veterans ahead of All-Filipino Conference
The Chery Tiggo Crossovers will look to replicate their success without Eya Laure just like in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference. | Art by Mitzi Diyan/One Sports

2024 Reinforced Conference record: 5-3 (5th place)

Key additions: Jules Samonte

Key departures: Eya Laure, EJ Laure, Buding Duremdes

Key players: Ara Galang, Aby Maraño, Mylene Paat, Pauline Gaston, Jen Nierva, Princess Robles

Coach: Norman Miguel (new)

One word to describe Chery Tiggo’s upcoming campaign

Rebuild.

It’s a new dawn for the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, whether for better or for worse.

This offseason, the Crossovers let go of veterans EJ Laure and Buding Duremdes, while also replacing Kungfu Reyes with former NU coach Norman Miguel.

Chery Tiggo could also see superstar spiker Eya Laure leave the team once the two sides agree on a resolution on her contract.

That’s why Miguel sees the upcoming All-Filipino Conference as an opportunity for other players to step up and show their talents.

“Nakita ko yung mga players namin na nag step up sila siguro for them it’s about time na yung individuality namin mailabas namin yan, yung character nila,” said Miguel. 

“Sa tingin ko nagkaroon din ng advantage kahit papano na this time talagang magtatrabaho sila sa isa’t isa magtulungan and really put their best foot forward sa bawat training na ginagawa namin for this conference,” he added.

Biggest X-Factor for Chery Tiggo this season

Princess Robles.

The 27-year-old outside hitter will be given a bigger role heading into the new PVL season with the departure of several spikers in the team.

Robles is expected to be among the go-to scorers for the Crossovers. Though Robles did not play under Miguel in her time with NU, the system should be similar as to what she played for the Lady Bulldogs.

Injuries have derailed the former UAAP Season 84 Finals MVP from making her mark in the PVL but this season could change all of that.

Best-case scenario

Chery Tiggo find their form early under Miguel’s system with veterans Mylene Paat and Aby Maraño leading the way with their skill and experience.

A top six finish should be a realistic goal for the Crossovers as they have shown in the Reinforced Conference what they’re capable of even without Laure.

Worst-case scenario

The Crossovers struggle with inconsistencies and injuries as they fail to have a much-needed go-to scorer in the All-Filipino Conference.

The Norman Miguel-led squad finish around 8th in the standings, a far cry from their usual performances in the PVL.

Bold prediction

Despite losing all that talent, Chery Tiggo manage to squeeze into the quarterfinals, putting up a good fight against other top teams in the league.

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