PVL adds Chery Tiggo to list of competing teams

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NEWLY turned professional association Premier Volleyball League (PVL) saw its roster of competing teams expand further with Chery Tiggo 7 Pro reportedly crossing over to join the league.

PVL President Ricky Palou confirmed that the Chery Tiggo team has reached out and signified its intention to compete in the newly recognized pro league.

The PVL official said the Crossovers are welcome to play in their fold and that they are looking forward to working with the team.

With the entry of Chery Tiggo, there are now 11 teams to date for the upcoming season of the PVL, tentatively targeted to start in May.

It joins Creamline, BanKo Perlas, Petro Gazz, Choco Mucho, Bali Pure, PLDT Fibr, Cignal, Unlimited Athletics Club, and guest squads Army and Air Force.

The Crossovers are bannered by towering siblings Jaja and Dindin Santiago as well as sisters EJ and Eya Laure. Also part of the team are Jasmine Nabor and Aya Adorador.

Prior to transferring to the PVL, Chery Tiggo (which also competed under the Foton name) played at the Philippine Superliga where it won two championships.

The PVL decided to transition to a professional league last year as part of its vision to grow the sport of volleyball in the country.

The Games and Amusements Board has granted it a license to operate as a professional organization and is looking to start its first season as a pro on May 8.

“This is a milestone for the league. We had this discussion since 2016, but we felt at the time we were not yet ready as most of our players were students. But right now, we think we have enough players to turn professional. We are ready and looking forward to it,” said Mr. Palou of their decision to turn professional.

The PVL traces its roots to the Shakey’s V-League in the 2000s, which featured collegiate teams from University Athletic Association of the Philippines, National Collegiate Athletic Association and Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation and other associations.

In 2011, it turned semi-pro by welcoming corporate and non-school-based teams.

Last year turned out to be a lost year for the PVL because of the coronavirus pandemic. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo