Coach Norman Miguel and the Chery Tiggo Crossovers are embracing the "no superstar" tag as they secured their PVL on Tour semifinals berth after sweeping the Nxled Chameleons.
For years, Chery Tiggo’s identity revolved around marquee names, highlighted by the Santiago sisters Jaja and Dindin. But with the departure of Eya Laure after the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference, a noticeable gap was left on the Crossovers in terms of sheer star power.
But in the PVL on Tour, the Crossovers are proving that superstars are not required to pave the way for success
Head coach Norman Miguel has leaned into the “no-superstar” tag, seeing it not as a weakness but as an opportunity to build something different.
“Ito lang ‘yung bagay na meron kami, ito lang ‘yung bagay na kontrolado kami. Wala kaming ilang spikers na naglalaro sa Alas [Pilipinas] na naglalaro sa iba. Bakit ko naman pasasakatin ‘yung ulo ko na mag-aspire na dapat meron kami ganun?” Miguel said as Chery Tiggo advanced to the semifinals.
“Kung ano lang ‘yung meron kami, kung ito lang ‘yung resources namin, ito ‘yung pagtatrabahuan, kaya gusto sila maging lowkey lang.”
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That philosophy was on full display in Chery Tiggo’s quarterfinal sweep of the Nxled Chameleons, 25–17, 25–15, 25–20, on Saturday, August 9, at the PhilSports Arena.
No single player dominated. Instead, four Crossovers shared the scoring load with Cess Robles leading the way with 12 points, Renee Penafiel and Ara Galang had 11 each, while Imee Hernandez added 10 markers.
With a determined squad, Miguel keeps his team focused on composure in high-pressure matches. The former UAAP champion tactician also continues to push for “healthy competition” within his squad.
“Kapag hindi ka nag-ensayo today, definitely the following day hindi ka pa rin [maglalaro]. ‘Yung kung sino nag-replace sayo, nagkakaroon ng competition pero healthy,” he explained.
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Chery Tiggo’s next test comes Tuesday, August 12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, when the Crossovers take on the Cignal HD Spikers for a ticket to the preseason Finals.