Chery Tiggo seeks redemption when it zooms back to action in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference unfolding on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Crossovers showed a lot of promise in the mid-season Invitational Conference after tapping collegiate stars Eya Laure, Imee Hernandez, Joyme Cagande, Ces Robles and Jen Nierva in a recruitment coup.
However, what looked like a formidable title contender on paper with the injection of young guns came short of expectations.
Now with better preparation, the rest and their recruits shaking off their rookie jitters, Chery Tiggo assistant coach Kungfu Reyes is certain the team will get a better result this time.
“We have a bevy of prized recruits. Hopefully, they’ve already adjusted to the level of play here. That’s what we have been working on each day,” the retired army personnel said.
“Of course, they are top collegiate players but they are still rookies (in the pro). There are better competitions here, veterans, the players that they look up to. Hopefully, they’ve learned from the previous tournament and have already absorbed and adapted to coach Aaron’s (Velez) system.”
The 2021 Open Conference champions Crossovers will also see the return of veteran hitter Shaya Adorador and playmaker Jasmine Nabor.
The two players were transferred to Foton last conference but returned to the Chery Tiggo following the disbandment of its sister-team.
“We now have a more solid group with the return of leaders and reliable players in Shaya and Jas,” Reyes said.
“They’re return adds depth to our bench. This means, we now have more weapons on our bench and good role players.”
Holdovers Mylene Paat, EJ Laure, Pauline Gaston, Buding Duremdes and Cza Carandang are expected to provide stability to the team.
“The guidance of our veterans would help to push our young players. So it’s a big advantage for us to have that core of players,” Reyes said.
Chery Tiggo fell short of advancing to the semifinals of this season’s first AFC edition after finishing with a 4-4 win-loss record for a fifth place finish.
The Crossovers landed at eighth spot in the Invitational Conference.
“We are preparing well to win. That’s our main goal. We’ll try to live up to be the ‘Chery on top,’” Reyes said.
Chery Tiggo battles the Farm Fresh Foxies on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
