Ara Galang couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions watching her former teammate Jolina Dela Cruz return to the court after an agonizing journey of recovery.
The two once shared the same floor as teammates for F2 Logistics, but on Saturday, they found themselves on opposite sides, as Galang’s Chery Tiggo Crossovers faced Dela Cruz’s Farm Fresh Foxies.
It had been months since Dela Cruz suffered a torn ACL, and although the injury was still fresh in her mind, her resilience and determination to return to the sport were nothing short of inspiring. For Galang, this was a moment of pride — not only for her own team’s victory, which saw the Crossovers overpower the Foxies in four sets, 21-25, 25-14, 25-17, 25-20 — but also for the remarkable progress of her former teammate.
When the F2 Logistics squad disbanded after the 2023 PVL Second All-Filipino Conference, Dela Cruz’s road to recovery was just beginning. Despite the daunting challenge of returning from a serious injury, Farm Fresh took a chance on the seasoned outside hitter. Galang, who had experienced her own recovery journey from a torn ACL, was one of the first to offer words of encouragement when Dela Cruz was announced as part of the Foxies’ roster.
"Congrats, Jols! Paghusayan mo pa lalo. Malayo at marami pa ang tatahakin mo pero magpagaling ka muna ng husto. See you on the other side of the court," Galang had messaged her. The heartfelt message reflected the bond they shared, both on and off the court — a friendship forged in the heat of competition.
As Galang looked across the court on Saturday, the emotion was palpable. The two former teammates, once inseparable on F2 Logistics, now found themselves face-to-face as competitors in the PVL. Galang was unstoppable, finishing the match with 20 points — 15 attacks, four blocks, and an ace — leading Chery Tiggo to victory. Meanwhile, Dela Cruz, still in the early stages of her return, contributed seven points in just her second game back from injury.
Despite the fierce competition, the respect between the two was unwavering. Galang spoke highly of Dela Cruz’s determination, impressed by her former teammate’s recovery and the strength it took to bounce back after such a serious injury.
“Nakaka-proud. Naalala ko, hindi ako nakanood nung game nila ng comeback game niya. Pero nakita ko yung result. Sabi ko, wow. Sabi ko, grabe rin siya. Sabi ko, miss na miss niya. Pero siya yun eh,” Galang reflected.
She continued, “Props sa tinrabaho niya all year or all the months na nag-rehab siya, nag-recover siya physically, mentally.”
Dela Cruz’s comeback was nothing short of explosive. In her return to action, she recorded a jaw-dropping 20 points in just three sets against Nxled. Her efficiency was evident, registering an 18-of-35 attacking clip, two service aces, five digs, and five receptions. It was a performance that had everyone talking — from her teammates to her former coach.
For Galang, witnessing Dela Cruz’s incredible journey was a reminder of the hard work and perseverance that defines the true spirit of a champion.
“Sobrang nakaka-proud na, alam mo yun, pinakita niyang parang madali. Pero alam natin na hindi yun madali eh. So, yun, nakaka-proud lang talaga. Kaya yun, sabi ko nga lang sa kanya, pagpatuloy niya lang eh,” Galang said.
