Chery Tiggo EV Crossovers have officially closed their program after 11 years in professional volleyball, marking the end of an era for one of the PVL’s pioneering and most decorated franchises.
The Chery Tiggo EV Crossovers are driving away from the PVL after five seasons in the pro ranks, the team confirmed on Tuesday, December 2.
In a statement released on social media, the franchise confirmed the dissolution of the team, marking the conclusion of a journey that began in 2014 as the Foton Tornadoes in the Philippine Superliga before transitioning to the PVL in 2020.
“With heavy hearts, we announce the closing of the Chery Tiggo EV Crossovers’ chapter, after 11 unforgettable years in professional volleyball,” the team wrote. “We celebrate the milestones: the championships, the talent we developed, and representing the Philippines on the biggest stage.”
Over the past week, rumors regarding the franchise’s future have circulated heavily among fans and insiders.
The news follows a challenging Reinforced Conference campaign for Chery Tiggo, which finished 10th with a 2–6 record despite the efforts of import Yuni Batista. The team placed fourth in the Invitational Conference earlier this season.
With the franchise stepping away unless a new buyer emerges, all Chery Tiggo players are now expected to become available for other PVL teams.
This includes veterans Ara Galang, Aby Maraño, Mylene Paat, Jen Nierva, and Jasmine Nabor, Pauline Gaston, Cza Carandang, as well as rookies Ren Peñafiel, Reyann Cañete, Erika Deloria, and Jyne Soreño.
The Crossovers now join the list of PVL clubs that have taken a hiatus in the pro era, including Sta. Lucia, BaliPure, Perlas, Gerflor, and F2 Logistics.
Chery Tiggo, formerly the Foton Tornadoes, began its volleyball journey in 2014 in the Philippine Superliga, where it won two Grand Prix championships behind Jaja Santiago in 2015 and 2016.
The franchise transitioned to the PVL when the league turned professional in 2020.
A year later, the Crossovers etched their place in PVL history by becoming the league’s first-ever pro champions after defeating Creamline in the 2021 Open Conference bubble in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte—with Jaja and Dindin Santiago-Manabat powering the run.
The team also acknowledged the loyalty of its players, management, and fans through the years.
“To our incredible fans: you have been the soul of this team,” the statement read. “Your unwavering support made this journey extraordinary.”
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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.