Chery Tiggo is looking to make a major comeback following a forgettable performance in the recent Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference.
In a press statement, the Crossovers said they will undergo major rebuilding in a bid to regain their winning form in the prestigious professional women’s club tournament.
After winning the Open Conference last year, the Crossover lost its invincibility as star opposite Jaja Santiago rejoined her club — Ageo Medics — in the Japan V. League.
They finished eighth in the Open Conference this year followed by another eighth-place finish in the Invitational Conference, prompting team owner Rommel Sytin to hint at waging a major revamp as they head for the Reinforced Conference.
The import-flavored conference, however, has been the Crossovers stronghold since joining the Philippine Superliga.
In fact, they clinched the PSL Grand Prix titles with Americans Lindsay Stalzer, Katie Messing and Ariel Usher as imports and Serbian Moro Branislav as head coach.
Now, they want to rule anew and the top car manufacturer couldn’t wait to come up with a strong team for the upcoming conference that starts in October.
“The Chery Tiggo Crossovers have always been known as a team to be reckoned with dedication, grit and resilience amid the struggles they faced in achieving goals during the past conferences,” the club said in a statement.
“Nevertheless, the team shall continue moving forward beyond the shadows of the past championships.”
“This is the promise that the team holds for all the fans, friends, and families. The eagerness to never disappoint again brings forth the decision to rebuild the Chery Tiggo Crossovers volleyball team.”
The Crossovers have yet to discover the right mix of talents.
This is the promise that the team holds for all the fans, friends, and families.
With Santiago not yet around, her sister in Dindin Manabat embraced the leadership role while national team mainstay Mylene Paat served as top spiker together with EJ Laure, Arianne Layug, Shaya Adorador, May Luna, Justine Dorog and Elaine Kasilag.
Maika Ortiz was the chief middle blocker together with Czarina Carandang, Joy Dacoron and Rachel Austero while Buding Duremdes and Julia Angeles served as backline defenders.
Jasmine Nabor and Necelle Gual took over the playmaking department to round out the team that fell short of making it to the semifinals in the previous PVL wars.
But the Crossovers stressed that major changes are set to unfold.
In fact, Chery Tiggo released seven players in Ortiz, Kasilag, Austero, Dorog, Dacoron, Layug and Angeles on Tuesday.
“From coaches and players to staff and management, a comprehensive team rebuilding is coming to Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the next few months,” the squad that is being handled by head coach Clarence Esteban and team manager Aaron Velez said.
“This is a required course of action in strengthening the overall team composition, enhancing the chemistry among coaches, players, and staff; and developing new techniques and strategies in winning that championship again.”
The squad said its eyes are set on the ultimate prize — the PVL crown.
“In the meantime, a great deal of understanding, patience, strong belief, and constant words of encouragement to the team is highly appreciated as the team gears toward a fiercer comeback on the court.”
