PLAYERS come and go, but Chery Tiggo knows it wasn’t and won’t ever be a one-woman show.
The Crossovers’ unselfish play shone through in a come-from-behind victory over Capital1, 20-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-18, 15-11, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference’s first five-setter on Tuesday.
Taking the lion’s share of the Chery Tiggo offense was Ara Galang with 23 points on 18 attacks, four blocks and one ace.
Cess Robles came up big on both ends with a double-double of 12 points and 27 digs.
Former NCAA MVP Mary Rhose Dapol backed the champion club’s veteran scoring exploits with an eight-point performance that proved vital in the endgame.
Capital1’s start to its post-Marina Tushova era was almost a statement victory until it all went for naught from two sets to one up.
Leila Cruz’ career-high 20 markers and a solid 28-dig night from Roma Doromal showed how the Solar Spikers’ rookies are next in line to lead the young squad forward.
Post-Eya era begins
Losing the Laure sisters Eya and EJ alongside veteran libero Buding Duremdes defined a busy and controversial offseason for the Crossovers.
But for the league’s first-ever pro champions to restore their winning ways, it’ll start with making the most of who stayed than delving on those who left.
“Ganun kasi talaga eh, may nawawala, may dumadagdag din naman. Mahalaga lang na mag-work kami, mag-jell kami as a team. ‘Yun lang talaga. Mag-work lang kami as a team, tulong-tulong lang kami, at mag-enjoy together sa loob,” Galang said.
Miguel made it clear that instead of sensationalizing Chery Tiggo’s departures en masse, his focus is to instill a culture of togetherness whoever comes and stays.
“Gaya ng sabi ko sa kanila, ‘yung nangyari sa team namin, ayoko siyang sabihin din naman na baka mas nakabuti pa kasi nag-step up mga players pero ‘yun ‘yung iniinstill namin sa kanila na ‘yung team natin ma-ano as binubuhat ng isang player,” the former National University mentor said.
“Ang lagi naming sinasabi ay dapat lahat kayo magbubuhatan, hindi lang ‘yung isa o dalawa.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
