Risa Sato, one of the pillars of the Creamline Cool Smashers dynasty, left the franchise before the start of the 2024–25 PVL All-Filipino Conference. Now, she is starting 2025 with a new team: the Chery Tiggo Crossovers.
The Crossovers formally announced Sato as the latest addition to their roster on Wednesday with a social media post welcoming the decorated middle blocker.
“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,” read the team’s post.
Chery Tiggo Gets Talent, Title Pedigree with Risa Sato
Sato is a timely addition to the Crossovers, who currently sit at fourth place in the standings with a 4-2 record—just a point behind, ironically, the third-running but undefeated Cool Smashers.
The 30-year-old Fil-Japanese middle blocker will be bringing to Chery Tiggo not only unquestioned talent but also championship pedigree. Sato is the only middle blocker in PVL history to complete a sweep of positional awards in all three conferences, ding so in the league’s inaugural season back in 2017.
The former Cool Smasher, beloved by Creamline fans for her unending energy and bubbly personality, also has the most championships in the PVL to date, having won 12 in total dating back to her college days at NU Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP. Aside from a collegiate title, Sato also won one championship with Balipure and 10 more with Creamline—including last year’s remarkable Grand Slam.
Sato had initially sought an early contract termination from Creamline prior to the 2024–225 PVL All-Filipino Conference. The request was granted and she was left out of the team’s roster, allowing the former NU alum to sign up with any team and play in the conference.
Chery Tiggo takes the court again on January 21 when it takes on the Petro Gazz Angels at PhilSports Arena.
