PVL: Cess Robles gives Chery Tiggo big lift anew off the bench

Chery Tiggo’s Cess Robles.–PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Cess Robles continues to embrace her role, providing the spark off the bench for the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) second All-Filipino Conference.

“For me, I just accepted the role given to me by my coach. When there is an opportunity, I always make sure to grab it,” said Robles in Filipino after scoring 18 points off the bench to lead Chery Tiggo past Cignal in thrilling five sets, 17-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-22, 16-14, on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.

“I always have a good mood every morning. I don’t know why but I’m always hyper to start the warm-up and even in games.”

Robles saved the day for the Crossovers after she stepped up in the fourth set to force a decider, where Eya Laure delivered the game-winning ace, to extend their winning streak to five games with a 7-1 record, nearing their return to the semifinals.

The UAAP Season 84 Final MVP out of National University was motivated by the resiliency of her teammates that’s why she was determined to help her team win no matter what.

“In the fourth and fifth set, I heard all my teammates say “hand on, hang on.” It motivated me to play better and we promised each other that we won’t give up this game and we will work hard for it,” Robles said.

With a 7-1 record tied with Choco Mucho in second place behind unbeaten leader Creamline (7-0), Robles said they are seeing the young Chery Tiggo core players progress from an underwhelming finish in the Invitational Conference but she stressed that it’s still a long way to go for them.

“Malayo pa pero malayo na,” said Robles,  “Our winning streak is important for us because we can see where we are right now and the things we can still improve in training. But we will continue to prepare one game at a time.”

Chery Tiggo tries to clinch a semifinal berth against the also-ran F2 Logistics on Saturday at 6 p.m.