In his first game as the head coach of Chery Tiggo in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Norman Miguel’s team struggled.
Despite the Crossovers eventually emerging victorious, they needed a five-set marathon to claim a 20-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-18, 15-11 win against the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Wednesday evening at the Philsports Arena.
Miguel, a champion coach with National University in the UAAP, admitted that both he and his players are still in the adjustment phase of adapting to his system.
Fortunately, the process has been made easier by the presence of several players who were once under his guidance at NU.
Outside spiker Cess Robles, libero Jen Nierva, and setter Joyme Cagande were all part of the Lady Bulldogs team Miguel coached during UAAP Season 81.
“Para sa akin malaking bagay ‘yun kasi dun ako nakaka-establish ng connection sa kanila. Well, hindi lang kay Cess, kay Jen, kay Joyme, but nung dumating din ako dun medyo nag-aadjust pa pero ‘yung approach ko sa kanila parang pantay lang tayo,” shared Miguel, who led NU to the championship in Season 86.
“Kasi ganun talaga ‘yung style ko as a coach, hindi ako ‘yung fatherly image or whatsoever,” he continued.
“Happy naman ako na maganda ‘yung response nila sa ganon pero hindi ko sinasabi completely naka-connect na ako sa kanila. In the process pa rin ako talaga. Maganda lang nagtatranslate sa kanila.”
(C) PVL Images
Against the Solar Spikers, the Crossovers needed big performances from Ara Galang, Robles, and Shaya Adorador, as well as timely contributions from Mary Rhose Dapol, Aby Maraño, and Seth Rodriguez, to carve out the hard-earned victory.
For the seasoned tactician, his players initially struggled but eventually loosened up to secure the win.
“Doon sa early phase ng game, obviously talaga hindi sila connected, talagang sabog-sabog pa. Sinasabihan namin sila igalaw niyo lang ‘yung normal na galaw niyo, hindi ‘yung nag-ooveranticipate kayo, hindi ‘yung na-eexcite kayo. Kasi malaking bagay ‘yun eh, pag kontrolado mo ‘yung emotions mo, ‘yung mind mo sa game, ikaw ‘yung medyo mas nasa advantage pag ganon,” he said.
“So, nung umabot kami ng fifth set, that’s it. Sabi namin hindi na ito about skills, lalaban tayo character na ilalabas niyo. Nag-translate naman and sobrang saya.”
Help is on the way for Chery Tiggo as Nierva will make her conference debut in their next game on November 21 against Cignal at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Opposite hitter Mylene Paat, meanwhile, is also expected to return soon as she is still working on her strengthening.
“Si Jen, meron pa siyang last phase ng kanyang strengthening but itong second game ready to [play] na siya. Si Mylene naman may strengthening pang ginagawa,” shared Miguel.
