In the intense arena of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference last Saturday, one player from the College of St. Benilde stood out with an outstanding performance.
Wielin Estoque showcased her talent in a gripping final match for Farm Fresh, delivering an impressive tally of 22 points, including 18 powerful attacks, three crucial blocks, and a service ace.
Despite her best efforts, Farm Fresh faced heartbreak as they lost in a five-set thriller against Foton with scores of 25-18, 25-23, 29-31, 20-25, 16-18, on a Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
For Estoque and the majority of the Foxies' roster, the PVL Invitational Conference offered an invaluable opportunity.
Comprising mainly current Benilde players, such as Gayle Pascual and Cloanne Mondonedo, the team was joined by Mycah Go, who is recovering from an ACL injury.
They were granted a "special guest license" by the Games and Amusements Board, allowing them to compete in the country's first and only professional volleyball league.
Reflecting on their experience, Estoque emphasized the immense learning curve the team had faced.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for us to learn, especially since we will continue playing in collegiate competitions. The experience we gained here is truly significant, and we will cherish all the learnings we acquired," she said.
Despite failing to secure a victory in their five matches in Pool B, Estoque remains optimistic about the benefits of competing against some of the country's top teams. She believes that the experience gained in the PVL will undoubtedly benefit the Lady Blazers in their pursuit of a third consecutive championship in the NCAA.
Looking towards the future, however, Estoque admits there are uncertainties. With the likelihood of the NCAA volleyball season taking place in January 2024, the question remains whether the Lady Blazers will continue representing Farm Fresh in the next conference of the PVL.
As their PVL Invitational Conference comes to a close, Farm Fresh's lineup, which also includes talented players like Trisha Tubu, Kate Santiago, Cae Lazo, Ckyle Tagsip, and Pia Ildefonso, can hold their heads high.
Despite the challenges, they have left a lasting impact and gained invaluable experiences that will shape their journey towards future successes.
