Veteran Tina Salak makes comeback, joins Chery Tiggo in PVL

A seasoned setter has arrived for Chery Tiggo.

Tina Salak, 44, has been announced as the latest addition to the already-stacked lineup of Crossovers for the upcoming inaugural professional season of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

Chery Tiggo team manager Ronwald Dimaculangan confirmed the development to GMA News Online, saying the decision came at the last minute after one of their players, Janine Navarro, sustained an injury days before the season kickoff on July 17.

Navarro, who plays as outside hitter, was advised by their physician to undergo surgery on her right shoulder and therefore could not join the team in the Ilocos Norte bubble.

"Initially, we had Janine Navarro but prior to the bubble training, she was recommended to undergo surgery," Dimaculangan, brother of veteran setter Rhea Dimaculangan, said in a phone interview.

"So we got the opportunity to offer coach Tina to play for us and luckily, she's available and ready to play. She's a great addition to the team and I'm sure no one would question her capability despite her age."

Salak had already called it a career back in 2016 after her stint with RC Cola Army in the Philippine Superliga. She then unretired in 2017 and suited up for Cocolife Asset Managers for one year before finally hanging up her jersey anew to pursue a career in coaching.

But three years later, the grizzled playmaker finds herself again on the taraflex.

"Our team is pretty much still young and with coach Tina around, we will have a natural leader on the floor and outside," Dimaculangan added.

Asked why they inserted a setter to replace a spiker, Dimaculangan explained that they were pressed for time.

Salak joins a loaded Chery Tiggo lineup that also has two rising setters in Jasmine Nabor and Gyzelle Sy along with power spikers in sisters Jaja and Dindin Santiago, Mylene Paat and Maika Ortiz.

"She's one of our advantages this season and I would say she has everything. She definitely gives us other options on the court."

—JMB, GMA News