Chery Tiggo’s Jen Nierva celebrates during a win over PLDT in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Jen Nierva did her homework as her tremendous floor defense led Chery Tiggo past PLDT for its second straight win in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Nierva knew what kind of team she was facing in the erstwhile unbeaten High Speed Hitters led by Savi Davison. That’s why she made sure to study her opponent’s tendencies well.
“I started my day watching PLDT. And I have six pages kung paano sila lalaruin today. And I think that’s something new that I did today that really worked,” Nierva said.
READ: PVL: Cess Robles feels ‘no pressure’ stepping up for Chery Tiggo
Jen Nierva says their preparation worked wonders vs PLDT. #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/jVVEeHSPH6
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) December 3, 2024
“I actually went through their rotations. Kapag yung tendencies ni Davison, ano yung spiking tendencies niya. Though ang dami kong na-miss pa din kasi she’s very aggressive. Hindi mo talaga din mababasa. And then also yung, for example, kapag si (Fiola) Ceballos, it’s like nakita ko kung ano yung gagawin talaga nila inside the court. And dahil alam ko na siya, ang dali kong i-lead yung mga teammates ko,” she added.
The star libero protected the floor with 17 digs and 16 excellent receptions as Chery Tiggo dealt PLDT’s first loss, 25-12, 25-23, 20-25, 25-22, on Tuesday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Also sa passing, yung mga serves ng kalaban namin. Alam ko na kung saan yung percentage na pupunta yung serves nila. So nire-ready ko na agad kung sino yung katabi ko, kung kanina pupunta yung serve. So I think, mas napagaan, mas napadali yung trabaho ng bawat isa,” Nierva said.
Besides her preparation, Nierva also leaned on her Alas Pilipinas experience and familiarity with her former college coach Norman Miguel.
“Nakita ko yung leadership ng mga teammates ko [sa Alas]. And kung gaano sila kasipag, gaano sila ka-dedicated, and kung gaano sila ka-competitive inside the court. So actually may mga time nga na talagang frustrated ako at naikita ng mga teammates ko na hindi ako talaga nasa-satisfy. And we’re still far from our goal. And I’m just very happy na ngayon magbibigyan kami ng panalo,” said Nierva
READ: PVL: Chery Tiggo overpowers winless Nxled
Chery Tiggo tied PLDT at 3-1 behind Cignal (3-0) and Creamline, which holds a 2-0 card as of posting time.
Nierva credited their strong start to her coaches and teammates.
“Ang laking tulong ni Coach Norman kasi makikita mo talaga sa body language na may tiwala siya. And kilala niya na kami kung paano kami maglaro inside the court,” she said. “May mga instances kanina na kapag tight yung games, tatawagin niya lang yung name ko and he will just say na, ‘Okay, Jen, lead yung passing.’ And iba yung confidence na nabibigay ni Coach Norman inside the court.”
Nierva believes the Crossovers just need to stick to their preparation to keep their winning streak going against the Akari Chargers on Tuesday next week.
“It’s really about preparation. Kasi once you step inside the court, yun na yun eh. Kung ano yung baon-baon mo. Kung ano yung pinagtrabahuhan mo the past week. Yun yung lalabas,” said Nierva. “Every single day is very important. Kailangan ibibigay mo yung best mo talaga inside the training and outside. And also, stay in discipline. And always focus kung ano yung goal namin. Kasi it’s a long journey.”