Teamwork works for the Crossovers.
Shaya Adorador knew Dindin Santiago-Manabat left a gaping hole in the Chery Tiggo Crossovers’ frontline.
Santiago-Manabat joined the Akari Chargers before the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference unfurled.
Since that is beyond their control, the Crossovers chose not to dwell on it and made do with the remaining aces on their deck to kickstart their post-Santiago-Manabat era on a high note.
With a balanced attack, the Crossovers swept the Cignal HD Spikers, 27-25, 25-19, 25-22, in their PVL opener on Tuesday.
“Si Ate Dindin malaking part talaga siya sa loob ng court, as a leader and as an ate. Kailangan din namin, kung ano 'yung ngayon, yun na lang tinitignan namin,” Adorador said after the match at the PhilSports Arena.
Without a Santiago-Manabat to lean on, the Crossovers relied on each other to hack out this victory.
Three Crossovers finished in double figures. Adorador topscored for the team with 16 points, while Mylene Paat and EJ Laure had 15 and 13, respectively.
“Nagtulungan lang talaga kami at nag-enjoy sa loob,” said Alina Bicar, who chipped in 14 excellent sets to go with 2 service aces.
Adorador bared returning coach Aaron Velez has not put the pressure on them to step up. The approach was simple: Play as a team and enjoy every moment of every game.
“Hindi niya (Velez) kami binigyan ng pressure. Ate Dindin pa rin ‘yan. Hindi mo kaya palitan yan. Kung sino andyan, nagtrabaho lang talaga kami as a team,” Bicar said.
The Crossovers will look to employ the same formula when they face Army-Black Mamba on February 11 in the same venue.