MANILA, Philippines – In the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, Jelena Cvijovic is gradually finding her rhythm for Chery Tiggo.

The immigrant from Montenegro had a slow start, scoring only six points in Crossovers’ opening match against F2 Logistics in straight sets.

In Chery Tiggo’s four-set triumph over Cignal last Saturday, she immediately afterward scored just 12 points.

Cvijovic, though, saved their Crossovers from losing to Akari on Thursday at the Philsports Arena by winning by scores of 23 to 25, 25 to 21, 21 to 25, 25 to 21, and 15 to 6.

The outside spiker, who is 6 feet 1 inches tall, scored 16 points overall, none more significant than the four she gave up early in the decisive set, and she also made 13 superb catches.

“To be honest, it was a challenging game. We made a few blunders at first and had a little bit of a panic attack, but then we got better and better,” said Cvijovic.

“I’m incredibly pleased with how we performed, especially in the fifth set.”

Clarence Esteban, Cvijovic’s coach at Chery Tiggo, is optimistic about her despite her underwhelming scoring efforts in comparison to those of other reinforcements.

This is due to her desire to change and learn new things as well as the fact that she gives every game day her all.

“Nag-eexert kasi talaga siya [She is exerting] (Cvijovic) ng effort, talagang kita na niya gustong-gusto bumawi, talagang kita na [an effort, you know she really wants it]. When asked what she could win and what she wanted to win for herself and the other person, she responded, “Talagang lumalapit siya sa akin [she is approaching me].”

Mylene Paat, Cza Carandang, and EJ Laure made up the scoring trio for the unbeaten Crossovers.

The floor defense of Buding Duremdes and the distribution of Jasmine Nabor and Alina Bicar were both essential for Chery Tiggo.

Cvijovic said, “I really enjoy playing with these girls and the staff because they’re really working hard, we push each other a lot, and they’re really great girls.