Reeling from the loss of key players, Chery Tiggo is still in an adjustment phase, especially with the recent addition of new head coach Norman Miguel.
Fortunately for the Crossovers, they have time on their side, as the upcoming 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference will feature a new format that spans six months, starting on Saturday, November 9.
With this extended season, Miguel is hoping to replicate what he experienced during his last coaching stint, when his National University Lady Bulldogs peaked at the right time and captured the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball championship.
“Conservatively, ako ah, I want to manage the expectation. Ako, okay na ako makapasok ng Final Four eh tapos pagtrabahuhan na lang from there,” Miguel shared.
“Just the same, yung nangyari sa UAAP, yung natimingan yung pag-peak. Sana magawa rin dito. Ayaw kong ipressure, eh kasi mahaba yan. Sinasabi ko nga sa kanila, wag nyong irush, mahaba ang season natin. Especially may mga nagrerehab pa, first and foremost kailangan iprioritize yung health ng mga players,” he continued.
“Take it slow, we’ll do the right timing sa pag-peak.”
(C) PVL Images
While Miguel acknowledged that the sudden departure of sisters Eya and EJ Laure, along with steady libero Buding Duremdes, was a blow, he still has many talented players who can step up when needed.
Chery Tiggo’s roster still includes wing spikers Shaya Adorador, Cess Robles, Ara Galang, Mylene Paat, and Daps Dapol; middle blockers Aby Maraño, Pauline Gaston, Cza Carandang, Imee Hernandez, and Seth Rodriguez; and setters Alina Bicar, Jasmine Nabor, and Joyme Cagande. They also have Jen Nierva and Karen Verdeflor anchoring the floor defense, and they signed spiker Jules Samonte during the break.
The departure of key players has also served as motivation for the remaining players to elevate their performance in training and secure playing time in the tournament.
“Alam naman natin, no, yung talagang abrupt, it’s heartbreaking syempre. Bago lang din ako. Nung dumating ako doon, I was expecting na talagang intact pa yung lineup, pero may mga bagay talaga na we’re not in control of,” said Miguel, who took over from Kungfu Reyes, who slid down to an assistant role.
“Since ganon na nga, kailangan mag-move on, and mas nakita ko naman na yung mga players namin na nag-step up sila. Siguro for them, it’s about time na yung individuality namin mailabas namin yan, yung character nila,” he added.
“Sa tingin ko, nagkaroon din ng advantage kahit papaano na this time talagang magtatrabaho sila sa isa’t isa, magtulungan, and really put their best foot forward sa bawat training na ginagawa namin for this conference.”
