Ara Galang vows to be even better for Chery Tiggo in PVL

Chery Tiggo’s Ara Galang.–PNVF PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Expect Ara Galang to be a more reliable spiker for the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, which opens on February 20.

It’s so far, so good for Galang and her longtime teammate Aby Maraño as they led their new team Chery Tiggo to a bronze medal in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League.

But the veteran outside spiker, who found a new home after F2 Logistics’ disbandment, believes that she has more to offer for the young Crossovers.

“I’ll try to be more reliable not just in scoring but in all aspects of the game as well as being a veteran. I want to be a more reliable player for the team,” said Galang in Filipino after scoring 10 points in their 25-20, 25-13, 25-13 win over College of Saint Benilde on Saturday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Although she is playing outside the program of coach Ramil De Jesus from La Salle to F2 for the first time in her career, Galang is having fun with her new teammates including Mylene Paat, Eya and EJ Laure, Cess Robles, Pauline Gaston, Shaya Adorador, Jasmine Nabor, Joyme Cagande, and libero Jennifer Nierva.

“It’s fun because I didn’t have a hard time getting along with them. I enjoy being with them during training and games. So far, so good,” said the former UAAP Most Valuable Player, adding that Maraño’s leadership makes their transition easier.

“I’ve been with them for so long and I know the kind of leadership that she brings. And our younger teammates respect Tynag as a team captain and leader,” she added.

Chery Tiggo coach KungFu Reyes believes that the 29-year-old Galang still has a lot more to show for the Crossovers when the new PVL season fires off in two weeks.

“Superb,” Reyes told reporters. “We all know that age is just the number but it’s her volleyball IQ and decision-making that I just can’t say enough of. She’s really a seasoned player, a champion player that came from a great coach so what do you expect.”

Despite settling for bronze, Galang was grateful to play in the week-long tournament, which turned out to be a great preparation for Chery Tiggo before her season debut as a Crossover.

“I’m happy because we learned a lot ahead of the PVL season. Hopefully, we’ll be able to polish our game and work harder as a team.”