In his debut as head coach of Chery Tiggo for the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Norman Miguel faced an early test, one that stretched his team to its limits.
The Crossovers, despite ultimately securing a win, had to endure a grueling five-set battle to edge out the Capital1 Solar Spikers with a 20-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-18, 15-11 scoreline on Wednesday evening at the Philsports Arena.
Miguel, a decorated UAAP coach who led National University (NU) to a championship, admitted that both he and the Crossovers are still adjusting to his system. "Para sa akin malaking bagay ‘yun kasi dun ako nakaka-establish ng connection sa kanila," he shared.
Fortunately, he has a head start with some of his players, as a few were also under his guidance at NU. Outside hitter Cess Robles, libero Jen Nierva, and setter Joyme Cagande were all former Lady Bulldogs under Miguel’s watch, giving him a built-in rapport with part of the team.
"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," Miguel explained.
This approach reflects Miguel’s style, one he describes as neither “fatherly” nor overly authoritative. "Ganun talaga ‘yung style ko as a coach...Happy naman ako na maganda ‘yung response nila sa ganon pero hindi ko sinasabi completely naka-connect na ako sa kanila," he said, acknowledging that there’s still work to be done to fully mesh with the team.
In their marathon match against the Solar Spikers, Chery Tiggo relied on clutch performances from Ara Galang, Robles, and Shaya Adorador, as well as critical support from Mary Rhose Dapol, Aby Maraño, and Seth Rodriguez. The seasoned tactician noted that his players appeared tense and disconnected in the game’s early stages.
"Doon sa early phase ng game, obviously talaga hindi sila connected, talagang sabog-sabog pa," Miguel observed, emphasizing the importance of mental calmness. "Sinasabihan namin sila igalaw niyo lang ‘yung normal na galaw niyo... Kasi malaking bagay ‘yun eh pag kontrolado mo ‘yung emotions mo, ‘yung mind mo sa game, ikaw ‘yung medyo mas nasa advantage pag ganon."
By the fifth set, however, Miguel’s message shifted from focusing on skills to summoning the players' competitive spirit. "Sabi namin hindi na ito about skills, lalaban tayo character na ilalabas niyo," he recalled. "Nag-translate naman and sobrang saya," he added, clearly proud of their resilience in the clutch.
The future looks promising for the Crossovers, as Nierva is set to make her conference debut in their next game against Cignal on November 21. Miguel is hopeful that Nierva’s return will solidify the team’s defense, saying, "Si Jen, meron pa siyang last phase ng kanyang strengthening but itong second game ready to [play] na siya." Additionally, opposite hitter Mylene Paat, who is currently undergoing strengthening exercises, is expected to rejoin the squad soon.
With Miguel’s steady approach and key reinforcements on the horizon, Chery Tiggo is gearing up to make waves in the PVL, demonstrating that their determination and character will be crucial to their journey this season.
