By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Risa Sato just found a new home.
After parting ways with the Creamline Cool Smashers franchise last year, the veteran middle blocker is set for a new professional chapter after joining the Chery Tiggo Pro Crossovers in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
“To our newest addition to our growing family, Welcome. Your skills and energy are a game-changer and we can’t wait to have you on the court with us,” posted Chery Tiggo on their official social media accounts.
Sato was one of the longest-tenured members of the Cool Smashers before opting to depart the franchise last November 8, 2024.
The energetic middle blocker first donned the Creamline jersey when she was acquired from the BaliPure franchise during the 2018 PVL Reinforced Conference.
During that time, Sato became an instrumental part of BaliPure’s championship campaign in the 2017 Open Conference, resulting in a sudden rise to her draft stock in the league.
Creamline pulled the trigger in acquiring her and the decision paid off as Sato helped them collect a total of 10 PVL championship titles from 2018-2024.
Although Sato’s role on the floor gradually diminished due to the rise of some of the franchise’s young bloods, her valuable contribution in the locker room made a difference and acted as a leader and an ‘ate’ to her younger teammates.
“On behalf of management and the entire team, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Risa for her dedication and service,” said Creamline in a statement.
Under Chery Tiggo, Sato will be teaming up with her former foe and one of the most experienced middle blockers in the league, Aby Maraño, and will have the chance to impart more knowledge to the younger Czarina Carandang.
