Jelena Cvijovic is slowly finding her groove for Chery Tiggo in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference.
Slow was the start for the import out of Montenegro who only had six points in the Crossovers straight sets opener win over F2 Logistics.
She followed it up with just 12 points in Chery Tiggo’s four-set victory against Cignal last Saturday.
But Cvijovic came through in the clutch in their Crossovers’ 23-25, 25-21, 21-25, 25-21, 15-6 escape of Akari on Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
The 6-foot-1 outside spiker went for 16 points, none more important on the four she let out early in the deciding set, and 13 excellent receptions.
“It was a tough match really. We started it with a little bit of panic, we made some mistakes but we started playing better and better,” said Cvijovic.
“I’m really happy how we played in the fifth set especially.”
Despite her subpar scoring performances – relative to other reinforcements’ outputs – Chery Tiggo coach Clarence Esteban remains upbeat with Cvijovic.
This as she does not only tries her best every game day, but also because of her willingness to learn and adjust.
“Nag-eexert kasi talaga siya (Cvijovic) ng effort, talagang kita naman na gustong-gusto niya bumawi. Talagang lumalapit siya sa akin kung anong dapat niyang gawin at anong gusto kong gawin para sa kanya,” said Esteban.
Picking up the scoring cudgels for the undefeated Crossovers were the troika of Mylene Paat, Cza Carandang, and EJ Laure.
Also crucial for Chery Tiggo were the floor defense of Buding Duremdes and the distribution of Jasmine Nabor and Alina Bicar.
“I really enjoy playing with these girls and also the staff because they’re really trying a lot, we push a lot, and they’re really nice girls,” shared Cvijovic.
