With the departure of star player Dindin Santiago-Manabat, the Chery Tiggo Crossovers faced a big challenge in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
However, the team rose to the occasion in their first game without Santiago-Manabat, dominating Cignal with a score of 27-25, 25-19, 25-22 in a match held at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Leading the charge for the Crossovers was Shaya Adorador, who recorded a team-high 16 points along with 15 excellent digs and five excellent receptions. Despite the absence of their veteran teammate, Adorador emphasized the team's focus on working together to fill the void.
"Of course, Dindin Santiago will always be missed. No one can replace her. We just worked as a team with whoever was there," said Adorador.
Santiago-Manabat had been with the Chery Tiggo team for six years before she left to join Akari due to an ankle injury sustained in the 2022 season. Despite her absence, Adorador and the rest of the team are focused on improving and playing as one.
"We just focus on what's happening now. We work hard in training and the coaches decide on the lineup. Our goal is to play as one, and we take it one game at a time," Adorador added.
Looking ahead, the Crossovers aim to replicate their win against the HD Spikers when they face off against Army-Black Mamba on Saturday, 4:00 PM at the Philsports Arena.
Adorador and the Crossovers are determined to make the most of each game and celebrate every victory, one game at a time.
