Jen Nierva as an “Ate” to Karen Verdeflor in PVL Finals
Jen Nierva could not take the court in the PVL finals, yet she assumed the role she knew best: an “Ate” who guides and believes. From the bench during Chery Tiggo’s silver finish at the PVL On Tour, Nierva stayed involved, giving focused advice to fellow libero Karen Verdeflor.
Sideline Leadership from an “Ate”
When the roster cards put Nierva off the court as she provides her service for ALAS Pilipinas, she shifted into mentorship without pause. “I think that’s the only thing that I can do since hindi ako makalaro inside.”
Despite Jen’s non-stop grind for the country, her love for her pro team was never compromised. During the PVL On Tour run, she directed those energies toward being a guide for her fellow libero Karen Verdeflor:
"Nagiisip din ako ng way kung paano ko matutulungan yung team."
"Kaposisyon ko siya and as her Ate, wala akong ibang gusto kundi i-extend kung ano yung kaya ko na ibigay through Karen."
During the finals, Nierva can be seen going near the bench of Chery Tiggo just to give advice to Karen, framing herself as an older sister who offers hands-on, position-specific guidance.
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Sparking a Comeback and Owning Team Pride
Nierva’s sideline counsel zeroed in on what the team lacked early and what liberos like them could bring. “Sinabi ko lang sakanya na kailangan may mag-spark ng plug kasi yung first two sets, we were down talaga. Hindi namin makita kung paano kami makaka-build at makakabigay ng pressure sa kalaban.”
As Nierva is a seasoned defensive player, she knew the power that this position holds. During the finals, she pushed for leadership, for something ‘extra’:
"Sinabihan ko lang siya na kailangan niya talaga mag-lead inside and wala na kaming ibang game kundi ito na yun, championship na ito, kaya kailangan niya i-bring out yung hindi niya pa nabibigay sa team."
"I'm happy naman na nag-translate yun nung 3rd and 4th set!"
Though the final color was silver, Nierva’s influence — amplified by moments where she innovated for ways to be able to help Chery Tiggo — helped convert sideline wisdom into on-court resilience.
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The finals added a silver medal to Chery Tiggo’s story, but for Nierva the defining detail was her role as an “Ate” — advising, urging, and standing beside Verdeflor and the team when she could not play. Despite being on the sidelines, you could tell that she would do everything to get her first podium finish in the pros.
Those sideline contributions may appear small to some, but it translated into a late surge and, more importantly, a deep pride. Jen told ALL-STAR, “Matagal na din mula nung nakaabot kami ng championship, kaya malaking lesson to saamin and I’m just very proud of the team.” Those words close this finals chapter and point toward how the Crossovers will carry that togetherness in the coming PVL conferences.
