Heading into an all-important final showdown with fancied PLDT, Chery Tiggo head coach Norman Miguel is taking a different approach — one that doesn’t require the usual heavy drills — as his Crossovers attempt to win rule the Premier Volleyball League On Tour this Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“I think connection with the players is key in winning a championship. You have to establish a connection with every player as it builds trust,” said Miguel, who piloted the National University Lady Bulldogs last year in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
“Every time someone asked me, that’s the thing that I always say: It’s important that I make a connection because that connection leads to on-court chemistry and trust in the system.”
The Crossovers’ resurgence under Miguel has been both gradual and resolute.
From middling finishes in recent conferences — back-to-back eighth places, a fourth in the Reinforced, and another fourth in the All-Filipino — the team struggled to return to its 2021 championship form.
Things began to shift when Miguel took over late last year.
Their preseason campaign started strong, sweeping the first three matches. But a loss to ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, after blowing a 2–1 set lead, could’ve derailed them.
Instead, it became a turning point.
They bounced back emphatically — routing Galeries Tower in the knockout round, halting the surging Nxled Chameleons, and dismissing the fancied HD Spikers in the semifinals. It’s been a campaign built not just on talent, but on adaptability and unity under adversity.
“We have gone through a lot,” he said.
And as Chery Tiggo revs up for PLDT, Miguel insists that preparing for Sunday’s showdown is tough.
“These past few days, there are players who have been unable to attend (practices) because they are sick. And it is our policy that when someone’s sick, even a simple bout with colds, you are not allowed to practice.”
Still, integral to the team’s success has been the seamless blend of seasoned veterans and hungry rookies.
Ara Galang, Cess Robles and Imee Hernandez have provided not just scoring and stability, but also a calming presence and leadership.
Meanwhile, rookies like Renee Peñafiel, Jyne Soreño and Erika Deloria have impressed with their fearless play and infectious energy.
Miguel lauded the veterans for their willingness to guide the younger players and nurture the connection he values so much, ensuring everyone on the floor plays with the same rhythm and purpose.
But the job isn’t done.
The mission is not yet complete.
Standing in their way is Sunday’s big game against PLDT, riding high with a 7-0 record and oozing confidence.
Chery Tiggo’s journey, however, has been defined by reclamation, reconnection and revival. From underwhelming finishes to title contention, the Crossovers have evolved into a team with heart, humility and hunger.
But only when they play as a cohesive and united team will they be able to put the cherry on top.