Jennifer Nierva’s meticulous preparation for Chery Tiggo Crossovers’ clash with the previously undefeated PLDT High Speed Hitters proved to be the game-changer in the elimination round of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Nierva, known for her defensive brilliance and tactical acumen, revealed that she created a six-page strategy to counter PLDT’s formidable gameplay.
“I think, kasi I started my day watching PLDT and I have six pages kung paano sila lalaruin today. I think that's something new that I did today that really worked. And nakita ko na effective talaga kapag aaralin yung intention mo is to really read the opponent,” shared Nierva.
“Mas madali gumalaw inside the court kapag alam mo or kilala mo at alam mo yung galaw ng kalaban.”
Her exhaustive preparation bore fruit as Nierva anchored Chery Tiggo’s defense, leading to a commanding 25-12, 25-23, 20-25, 25-22 victory that snapped PLDT’s three-game winning streak. With 17 excellent digs and 16 excellent receptions, the 5-foot-4 Iloilo native played a pivotal role in improving the Crossovers’ record to 3-1 while handing the High Speed Hitters their first loss of the season.
Nierva’s commitment went beyond the usual scouting reports, diving deep into the nuances of PLDT’s rotations and player tendencies, particularly star hitter Savannah Davison.
“I actually went through their rotations. Kapag yung tendencies ni (Savi) Davison, ano yung spiking tendencies niya. Though ang dami kong na-miss pa din kasi she's very aggressive. Hindi mo talaga din mababasa,” Nierva explained.
“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.”
The 24-year-old also prepared extensively for PLDT’s serving patterns, allowing her to make quick adjustments and guide her teammates.
“Sa passing, yung mga serves ng kalaban namin ng PLDT. 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,” she added.
Nierva also credited her reunion with her former college coach, Norman Miguel, for giving her an edge. Having previously worked with Miguel at National University, she drew confidence from his unwavering trust and calm demeanor during high-pressure moments.
“Anlaking tulong ni Coach Norman kasi may kita mo talaga sa mukha niya. Even sa body language na may tiwala siya. And kilala niya na kami kung paano kami maglaro inside the court,” she said.
“So 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.”
