After 11 years in the Philippine volleyball scene, Chery Tiggo EV has officially closed its chapter.
The Crossovers, the first-ever professional champions of the Premier Volleyball League, announced their disbandment on Tuesday afternoon.
“With heavy hearts, we announce the closing of the Chery Tiggo EV Crossovers’ chapter, after 11 unforgettable years in professional volleyball,” the team said in a statement.
“From our beginnings as the Foton Tornadoes to our journey as the Chery Tiggo EV Crossovers, we celebrate the milestones: the championships, the talent we developed, and representing the Philippines on the biggest stage.”
Chery Tiggo made the jump to the PVL in 2020 when the league turned professional, immediately stamping its place in history by defeating Creamline to win the 2021 Open Conference.
However, the team struggled in the following years, often falling short of the podium. They made a return to the finals in the PVL On Tour but lost to eventual champion PLDT.
The Crossovers then placed fourth in the Invitational Conference before missing the playoffs in the recently concluded Reinforced Conference, finishing 10th with a 2-6 win-loss record.
With the team’s disbandment, Chery Tiggo’s players are now officially free agents.
The roster included Ara Galang, Aby Maraño, Mylene Paat, Jen Nierva, Cess Robles, Pauline Gaston, Imee Hernandez, Shaya Adorador, Jasmine Nabor, Alina Bicar, Cza Carandang, Joyme Cagande, Anngela Nunag, Karen Verdeflor, Seth Rodriguez, Rhose Dapol, and rookies Ren Peñafiel, Jyne Soreño, Erika Deloria, and Reyann Cañete.
“To our leagues, sponsors, staff, and most especially, to our players past and present, thank you for your dedication and heart. To our incredible fans: you have been the soul of this team. Your unwavering support made this journey extraordinary,” the statement read.
“The legacy of resilience, teamwork, and the spirit of the Chery Tiggo EV Crossovers will endure. We are profoundly grateful for every moment.”
