Chery Tiggo releases seven players, undergoes major revamp for next PVL season

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Chery Tiggo Crossovers are already committed to a full program revamp after releasing seven players into the free agency pool.

After another disappointing finish during the 2022 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference, the Chery Tiggo management announced the departure of veteran Maika Ortiz, Rachel Austero, Joy Dacoron, Justine Dorog, Julia Angeles, Ariane Layug, and Elaine Kasilag.

It’s already been a year since the Crossovers tasted post-season success when they ruled the Ilocos Norte bubble Open Conference.

However, Chery Tiggo suddenly fell from superstar status after failing to punch a playoff ticket twice during the 2022 Open Conference and the recently concluded Invitational Conference.

Two factors that hounded Chery Tiggo during those two conferences were health issues and the absence of main hitter Jaja Santiago who is still playing in the Japan Volleyball League.

Meanwhile, her sister, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, wasn’t able to suit up with the team due to an injury and later on was listed as inactive for the rest of the conference.

Still with the team are Jasmine Nabor, Mylene Paat, Shaya Adorador, Jasmine Nabor, Buding Duremdes, May Luna, Alina Bicar, and Czarina Carandang.

Jaja is yet to make her comeback with the Crossovers and will have the chance to redeem her team’s status at the next PVL conference.

During her presence in the 2021 bubble, Chery Tiggo had a stellar tournament run and ousted the Creamline Cool Smashers in the championship round.

Before setting up the grand final series against Alyssa Valdez and the Cool Smashers, the Crossovers had an explosive semis clash with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.