Jen Nierva believes Chery Tiggo EV’s renewed mindset has sparked a much-needed turnaround as the Crossovers begin their push for a playoff spot in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
After a tough start to their 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference campaign, Jen Nierva and the Chery Tiggo EV Crossovers may have found their rhythm again.
The Crossovers reignited their quarterfinal bid with a huge five-set victory against the Capital Solar Spikers, 27-25, 23-25, 25-12, 22-25, 15-13, on Tuesday, November 11, at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City.
Nierva, who anchored their defense with 24 excellent digs and 17 excellent receptions, described the victory as a much-needed boost after several tough defeats in the first round.
“Maganda ‘yung start ng second round for us,” said Nierva. “I think today’s game was an eye-opener for everyone in our team na we really can do it, as long as we just set our mindset and winning attitude in every point.”
[ALSO READ: Yunieska Batista hyped after 41-point explosion in Chery Tiggo EV's win over Capital1]
Regaining energy after a rough start
Following their 1-4 start, Nierva said the Crossovers used the short break in between the first and second rounds to recover both physically and mentally. Now at 2-4, Chery Tiggo is now ninth but is still a full game and two points back of Cignal for the last quarterfinals spot.
Jen Nierva in action during Chery Tiggo's five-set victory vs Capital1. | Photo: PVL
The star libero credited coach Norman Miguel for continuing to push them despite fatigue.
“We felt na medyo pagod na nga kami, kasi si coach Norman, more on repetition at di siya tumitigil kasi nakikita niya ‘yung potential talaga ng team,” she explained.
“Nung nakapagpahinga kami, malaking bagay na nakapag-recover ‘yung katawan kasi at the end of the day, hindi kami makakabigay ng 100 percent if we’re all tired.”
[ALSO READ: Jen Nierva commends former NU teammate Bella Belen after first PVL matchup]
Even without a full practice before the Capital1 match due to the threat of Typhoon Uwan, Nierva said their collective experience and mindset made the difference.
“Hindi kami nag-practice kahapon, so kumakapa kami how we’re going to start the game,” she recalled.
“But we’ve been playing for more than 10 years. Iba talaga kapag andun ‘yung mindset. I’m just glad we were all on the same page today.”
With winning momentum now on the team's side, Chery Tiggo EV looks to continue its push for a playoff spot when it faces powerhouse PLDT on Saturday, November 15, at the Ynares Center Montalban.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.