Chery Tiggo’s Cess Robles tries to score against Nxled’s defense in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.–PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Cess Robles has been a revelation for Chery Tiggo in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Robles poured in 15 points as Chery Tiggo bounced back with a 26-24, 25-15, 25-18 win over winless Nxled and improved to a 2-1 record on Tuesday night at Philsports Arena.
The former National University star has been stepping up and thriving as a starter for the Crossovers, who lost sisters EJ and Eya Laure, with an average of 13 points through three games.
READ: PVL: Chery Tiggo overpowers winless Nxled
“Para sa akin no pressure gawin ko lang kung ano yung tiwalang ibinibigay nila coach sa amin,” said Robles, who also had eight digs. “Malaking bagay din yung nawala sa amin so kailangan ko magstep up.”
Robles didn’t have a hard time adjusting to a bigger role as she’s been familiar with coach Norman Miguel’s system when the former NU coach handled her former teammates Jen Nierva and Joyme Cagande in the UAAP from 2019 to 2020.
“Siyempre happy ako na si coach Norman yung coach ngayon. Wala namang masyadong adjustment kasi kilala na kami ni coach Norman, kasama namin si Jen at si Joyme,” said Robles. “Yung mga teammates ko din tinatanong lang din kung ano si coach Norman magturo so wala masyadong adjustment for coach Norman.”
More than their familiarity, Miguel and his coaching staff saw how Robles has embraced a bigger responsibility in leading the Crossovers with Mylene Paat also missing the first three games as she continues to work on her condition.
READ: PVL: Collective effort gets it done for undermanned Chery Tiggo
“Meron ngang nangyaring diba may mga players na nawala so nakita talaga naming mga coaches kung paano siya nagstep up and akuin yung responsibility sa position na outside hitter kasi alam naman natin na big role yung position na yun,” said Miguel. “Nakita naman natin na nagstep up siya, willing siya maging responsible so position na yun.”
Chery Tiggo eyes its first winning streak of the season against unbeaten leader PLDT on Tuesday next week at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Crossovers’ rising star vows to keep working hard.
“Para sa akin po siguro trabaho lang talaga sa training kasi sa training nagsstart, tiyaga and siguro focus lang din talaga kung ano yung mga pinapagawa ng coaches,” said Robles.