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Chery Tiggo is stepping away from the Philippine volleyball after being part of it for over a decade.
Chery Tiggo is closing its chapter in Philippine volleyball.
After 11 years, including their time as the Foton Tornadoes, the Crossovers announced their disbandment on Tuesday, December 2.
“With heavy hearts, we announce the closing of the Chery Tiggo EV Crossovers’ chapter, after 11 unforgettable years in professional volleyball,” the team said in a statement posted on social media.
Chery Tiggo holds the distinction of being the Philippines’ first professional volleyball champions, ruling the 2021 PVL Open Conference in Bacarra, Iloilo, under the leadership of the Santiago sisters Jaja and Dindin, as they upset the powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers three hard-fought games in the finals.
Long before rebranding as Chery Tiggo, the franchise traces its roots to the Foton Tornadoes, who initially competed in the Philippine Super Liga (PSL) before joining the PVL in 2020 when the league turned pro.
A part of the PSL since 2014, the Foton era produced two championships, having ruled the 2015 and 2016 Grand Prix as they engaged in a fierce rivalry with the Petron Blaze Spikers for the title. Familiar names from this era include powerhouse names including fan-favorite import Lindsay Stalzer, the Santiago sisters, veteran setter Rhea Dimaculangan, and then-UST stars Sisi Rondina and EJ Laure getting their first taste of semi-professional play.
On top of the PSL titles, Chery’s time as Foton also involved a stint in the 2016 Asian Women’s Club Championships held in Biñan, Laguna, where they finished in 7th in a 13-team field as Foton Pilipinas. It was here that Foton was bunched with some of Asia’s top club teams, including an NEC Red Rockets squad that featured former Japan national team standout Sarina Koga.
Engine off
Chery Tiggo, though, couldn’t replicate its string of success in the PVL, falling short of the podium for the next three years after lifting the country’s first pro volleyball championship in Bacarra.
It wasn’t until the inaugural PVL on Tour that Chery Tiggo found its way back to the podium, where they finished in second after a five-set classic with PLDT for the championship. Along with the silver, this preseason tilt also involved the resurgence of Ara Galang — a welcome highlight in what turned out to be a memorable run.
That on Tour silver would be followed by a fourth-place finish in the 2025 Invitational Conference, and a franchise-low 10th place standing in the year-ending Reinforced Conference.
Still, it’s hard not to recognize Chery Tiggo’s milestones — from being the country’s first professional volleyball champions, to being a powerhouse team as Foton that was part of the sport’s earlier years.
“From our beginnings as the Foton Tornadoes, to our journey as the Chery Tiggo EV Crossovers, we celebrate the milestones: the championships, the talent we developed, and representing the Philippines on the biggest stage,” the team’s statement read.
“To our leagues, sponsors, staff, and most especially, to our players past and present, thank you for your dedication and heart. To our incredible fans: You have been the soul of this team. Your unwavering support made this journey extraordinary.”
As Chery Tiggo rides off, the hope is now for their final batch of players to find a new home ahead of the next PVL season.
Images courtesy of the Premier Volleyball League.