Chery Tiggo's 2025 PVL Draft class is turning heads, with rookies like Jyne Soreño and Renee Peñafiel making an early impact in the Crossovers' strong 3-1 start in the preseason tilt.
The Chery Tiggo Crossovers may have quietly pulled off the biggest win during the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft—and the results are starting to show.
With a strong 3-1 record in the ongoing PVL on Tour, the Crossovers' offseason haul is proving to be a goldmine.
Head coach Norman Miguel praised his rookie group, headlined by 8th overall pick Jyne Soreño, 20th pick Erika Deloria, 26th pick Renee Peñafiel, and 29th pick Reyann Cañete, for seamlessly blending into the team’s system and culture.
“Proud kami not only kay Penafiel but du’n sa mga rookies namin sa draft na gradual na nakakasabay na sila sa system,” Miguel said. “Nakita naman din namin kasi yung heart nila na gusto talagang maglaro for Chery Tiggo and prove something for Chery Tiggo.”
Peñafiel, specifically, has proven to be a “steal” after going in the third round of the loaded draft class.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Third-rounder Renee Peñafiel makes up for lost time in breakout games for Chery Tiggo]
The former UST standout is 12th among all scorers in the preseason tilt with 52 total points. This was highlighted by her 18-point performance to power Chery Tiggo past the Cignal HD Spikers in Passi City, Iloilo.
Miguel emphasized how their rookies’ backgrounds from top collegiate programs have made a difference.
“Swerte kami na sila, may mga character talaga sila. Siyempre, si Peñafiel, galing UST. Si Soreño, galing La Salle. May mga pusong champion sila. Malaking bagay sa’min 'yun na meron na silang mga character na innate na sa kanila as athletes,” said Miguel.
It’s also worth noting that Deloria came from a proven championship program in Enderun College, while Cañete was developed under San Beda’s tried-and-tested formula.
After a subpar finish in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference, Chery Tiggo has looked revitalized, thanks to the chemistry of returnees and the impact of its rookies. And while the team continues to fly under the radar, Miguel believes they’re on the right track.
“Masaya ako para sa team namin,” said Miguel. “Galing kami sa hindi magandang record last conference ta’s ngayon pa lang yung system ko na-iinstill. Buti naman at na-aadapt nila.”
“Lowkey lang kami. Mag-perform lang tayo nang maganda at pagtrabahuan pa natin,” he added.
The Crossovers will head to Candon City, Ilocos Sur in the coming days as they wrap up their Pool B action when they face the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on July 29.