Chery Tiggo rookie Ren Peñafiel, a third-round pick, is thriving in the PVL on Tour.–PVL PHOTO
MONTALBAN, Rizal — Ren Peñafiel has emerged as one of the biggest steals of the draft in a stacked 2025 rookie class, after a promising start for Chery Tiggo in the PVL on Tour.
All Peñafiel needed was a chance to show her worth, and she’s delivered so far, helping the Crossovers complete a two-game sweep of their Ynares Center Montalban stop after surviving Akari, 24-26, 25-19, 25-16, 23-25, 15-10, on Sunday.
READ: PVL on Tour: Chery Tiggo outlasts Akari for 2-0 start
Ren Peñafiel is making the most of the opportunity given by Chery Tiggo after getting drafted in the third round. #PVL2025 #PVLonTour @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/hsSfiqnhoh
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 6, 2025
Peñafiel, who didn’t make it to UST’s final roster in the UAAP Season 87, averaged 11.5 points in the first two games of the preseason.
“Since it’s been a while since I last played, I was very hungry to get back on the court,” said Peñafiel in Filipino after finishing with 12 points and eight excellent receptions against Akari.
Although she’s coming off a hiatus after missing the UAAP season, the young outside spiker got a huge boost from the trust of coach Norman Miguel and the veteran-laden Crossovers.
“I’m happy because on my first day with Chery, it wasn’t hard to adjust at all. The team was very welcoming, so I was able to adapt quickly to Coach Norman’s system,” Peñafiel said/
“I just really took this opportunity to play in the pros. To be honest, I didn’t get much playing time back in college, so this is where I’ll make up for it.”
READ: PVL: Chery Tiggo gets preseason bid going, fends off Capital1
Miguel, who gambled on Peñafiel in the third round, knew that the former UST Tigress would be a great help for their team, with her fellow rookies Jyne Soreño, Erika Deloria, and Reyann Cañete.
“Of course, the way she played yesterday and today, you could see how spectacular she was out there. Even when she first started training with us after the draft, I saw what she could contribute to the team,” said Miguel.
“I really want to take advantage of her skills, especially since she’s still young, and the thing is, she has that fighting character. That’s what I saw in her, and it’s something that will add to the team.”
Peñafiel remains eager to deliver for Chery Tiggo as it battles Cignal and Creamline on July 19 and 20, respectively, at Passi Arena in Iloilo.
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