Chery Tiggo Crossovers Bring in Cuban Star Yunieska Batista for Reinforced Conference

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by Misha Cruz

Cuban outside hitter Yunieska Batista.
Cuban outside hitter Yunieska Batista. Photo: CEV.

The Chery Tiggo Crossovers just dropped a game-changing announcement: Cuban outside hitter Yunieska Batista is officially joining the squad for the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference.

At 32, Batista is no rookie to the international stage. She’s coming off a stint with Yesilyurt Sports Club in Turkey, and her resume screams big-time experience. Think explosive scoring, steady leadership, and that veteran swagger you want from an import who knows how to win.

“Power, performance, and new energy!” That’s how the Crossovers hyped her up on social media — and honestly, they’re not exaggerating. Fans who’ve seen Batista fly off the wings know exactly what kind of firepower she’s bringing to the table.

For Chery Tiggo, this signing feels like the reset button they’ve been waiting for. 2024 wasn’t exactly smooth sailing — Canadian reinforcement Kathryn Bell led the team in last year’s Reinforced Conference, but the Crossovers settled for fifth place. Fast forward to this year, though, and they’ve shown signs of leveling up: a silver-medal finish in the PVL On Tour (after a nail-biting five-set finals against PLDT) and a solid fourth place in the Invitational Conference. Close, but not quite there.

That’s why Batista’s arrival couldn’t have come at a better time. With her explosive attack and consistency under pressure, Chery Tiggo finally has the kind of import who can help them push through those tough late-game moments.

And let’s not forget the local firepower she’ll be teaming up with. Ara Galang’s clutch plays, Cess Robles’ hustle, Shaya Adorador’s steady presence, Baby Jyne SoreΓ±o’s versatility, plus rising star Renee PeΓ±afiel — this roster suddenly looks deeper, faster, and hungrier.

Batista doesn’t just bring offense; she brings confidence. And for a team that’s been on the verge of breaking through, that could be the missing piece to climb back into title contention.

Crossover Nation, buckle up. The Reinforced Conference is about to get a whole lot spicier, and Yunieska Batista is ready to make her mark.