THE Chery Tiggo recruitment wars have begun and it didn’t take 24 hours for the first dominoes to fall.
Cess Robles, Karen Verdeflor and rookie Ren Peñafiel were all picked up by the Frank Lao-backed Strong Group Athletics stable on Wednesday.
This comes just a day since the Crossovers announced their shock disbandment and eventual exit from the PVL.
READ: All the Chery Tiggo players that will be dispersed in free agency
“We were both surprised and saddened by Chery Tiggo's sudden decision to disband their team. It’s always difficult for players to face such unexpected changes, and my heart goes out to them,” said Strong Group volleyball head Kiara Cruz.
“At the same time, we’re thrilled to welcome Princess, Karen, and Renren to our Strong Group family, and we look forward to seeing them shine with us.”
What remains unknown for now is where the trio will be assigned, either as a unit or as individuals, may it be with Farm Fresh or newly-minted PVL Reinforced Conference silver medalist ZUS Coffee.
Robles signed with Chery Tiggo in 2023 and steadily carved out a role as one of the team’s most dependable offensive options.
In her two-year run with the Crossovers, the 5-foot-3 Ilongga outside spiker and former UAAP Finals MVP collected 446 points on 407 attacks, 37 blocks and 22 aces.
Verdeflor, the ninth-overall pick in 2024 from Adamson, filled the role of reserve libero with poise behind Alas Pilipinas libero Jen Nierva.
Peñafiel, taken 26th overall in the 2025 draft, entered the pros as a promising UST-bred prospect and amassed 84 points on 71 attacks, seven aces and six blocks.
Their acquisition signals the opening salvo of what is expected to be one of the most competitive talent scrambles in recent PVL history, with the entire Chery Tiggo roster entering the open market in a brief offseason set to last for just under two months.
As such, a fast-moving recruitment stretch will unfold over the next few weeks as clubs race to bolster their lineups ahead of the 2026 season starting January 31.
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