Jen Nierva returned to the Premier Volleyball League not just as a libero, but as a player transformed by the weight of international experience and pride.
For the 25-year-old Chery Tiggo defensive specialist, the court feels different now—wider, sharper, and carrying a sense of purpose shaped by her recent stint with Alas Pilipinas.
Fresh off the Philippines’ historic silver-medal finish at the 2025 AVC Nations Cup in Vietnam, Nierva brought back more than just game reps. She came home with perspective. “I wouldn't say na it's easier, I think I would say mas nag-iba 'yung perspective 'pag naglalaro,” she said, a quiet smile hinting at the changes beneath.
Nierva had been part of a formidable national team pool that included Dawn Catindig and Justine Jazareno. In the heat of international competition, she absorbed not only skills but the subtler aspects of winning—composure, communication, and a sharpened sense of pride. “Iba din siguro 'yung pride na meron ka when you played internationally and now playing locally. I think being part of Alas, we have that pride of now that we're back playing sa PVL, I think we have to show kung ano 'yung na-gain namin from our Alas stint and to prove that, you know, we're doing something good also,” she added.
That pride was evident Tuesday night when Nierva anchored Chery Tiggo’s floor defense in a dominant straight-sets win over ZUS Coffee, 25-17, 25-17, 25-23. Her stat line—19 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs—spoke volumes about her steadiness. With the victory, the Crossovers moved to 3-1 and inched closer to another PVL Invitational Finals berth, with Japanese guest squad Kobe Shinwa University as their final obstacle.
Nierva knows the stakes. Chery Tiggo hasn’t lifted a PVL crown since the 2021 Open Conference, and this campaign feels ripe with possibility. The difference this time, she believes, could come from chemistry and leadership. “I think 'yung leadership na meron inside the court... Sabi ko nga, 'yung team namin, it's composed of a lot of talented athletes, players, and someone has just to consistently be a leader inside and ignite 'yung power and capabilities na meron kami,” said the former National University standout.
She emphasized that talent is nothing without connection: “‘Yung teamwork namin, and 'yung lahat nung skills na meron kami, once na ma-figure out namin kung papaano namin 'yon iko-connect-connect, I think 'yun 'yung magbibigay ng difference sa team namin.”
For Nierva, the next matches are more than just about wins; they’re a test of growth.
