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Mylene Paat. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Mylene Paat remained patient with the progress of her rookie-laden team as the Chery Tiggo Crossovers missed the semifinals anew in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

Paat’s 29-point explosion wasn’t enough to bring Chery Tiggo to the semis round after falling short to PLDT in five sets, 21-25, 25-16, 23-25, 27-25, 12-15, on Tuesday at Philsports arena.

But the Crossovers’ team captain graciously accepted their setback as the franchise missed the semis in four of the last five conferences since winning the maiden pro title in 2021.

“Although we fell short, maybe it’s not yet our time. We still have a lot of things to work out since we have new teammates and most of them are rookies,” said Paat, who dropped 22 attacks, four blocks, and three aces only to finish third in Pool A with a 2-2 record .

“Of course, we have to stay together in the long run, as coach said. That’s the bright side,” she added.

Despite falling short, the Philippine women’s volleyball team star has no regrets, seeking to continue embracing her role for the revamped Crossovers, who signed Eya Laure, Imee Hernandez, Cess Robles Joyme Cagande, and Jennifer Nierva and shipped seven players to their sister team Foton tornadoes.

“I need to be a reliable leader for my young teammates. If I gave up during that time, we will fall and won’t be able to force a fifth set. I’m still thankful because everyone held on and helped each other,” she said.

Eya Laure was a marked spiker as she was held to just eight points on top of 15 receptions and five digs.

Chery Tiggo coach Aaron Velez bared that Laure was dealing with ankle issues while most of his players are still going through rehab for their nagging injuries from the previous UAAP season.

That’s why he tried different rotations during their do-or-die game but not making it an excuse for their loss to PLDT.

“She (Eya) is okay. But to say that she is 100 percent, she’s not. Actually, all of them,” said Velez, who is also the team manager. “I’m just so proud of the ladies, regardless of the result… They are still going through some rehabs after their tournaments that’s why we had a lot of players who played in and out, not that we’re making an excuse.”

“As you saw, they still gave their 101 percent even most of them are rehabbing. We’re also teaching them and guiding them to be more professional and disciplined in taking care of their bodies. And I just want them, the fans, also to be patient. Chery will always be on top soon,” he added.

Velez was pleased with the showing of his other rookies at this conference as Hernandez put up a fight in their last pool phase game with 12 markers, while Cagande paced the team with 22 excellent sets and scored seven points.

“We’re looking at the long haul. It may not be today, but we will continue the building process of this team. And we still have a game [this conference],” the Chery Tiggo coach said as they end their midseason campaign against Choco Mucho in the battle for seventh on Saturday.

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