Farm Fresh returned to form with a commanding performance, fueled by Jolina Dela Cruz’s explosive comeback, to sweep Nxled, 25-22, 26-24, 25-21, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The Foxies opened the second half of the preliminary phase with renewed energy, shaking off the sting of a heartbreaking five-set loss to the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in December. The victory not only brought them back into contention with a 3-3 record but also showcased the depth and determination of their revamped roster.
Dela Cruz delivered a fiery 20-point performance in her much-anticipated return after an ACL injury in November 2023. Trisha Tubu continued to anchor the team’s offense with a solid 14-point output, while Aly Bertolano, Rizza Cruz and Caitlin Viray contributed eight, six and four points, respectively, in their one-hour and 23-minute triumph.
Lorene Toring made her debut with three points, adding depth to the Foxies' well-rounded lineup and further complementing Tubu’s consistent offensive firepower.
“It feels so good to be back,” an emotional dela Cruz said after being named Player of the Game. “Kanina medyo kinakabahan pa ako sa start, but nakaka-miss maglaro sa arena. I’m motivated to stay healthy this whole season – ayoko nang maulit 'yung nangyari sa akin.”
Dela Cruz reflected on the injury she suffered in the All-Filipino Conference while playing for the now-defunct F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, vowing to make her comeback one for the books.
Farm Fresh’s balanced offense proved too much for Nxled, who fell to 0-6 in the standings. The Foxies showcased their dominance with 54 attack points, blasting the Chameleons by 20, while also registering four aces compared to Nxled’s two.
Nxled, however, excelled at the net, recording 10 blocks – eight more than Farm Fresh – and earned 21 points from the Foxies’ unforced errors while committing 16 of their own.
Despite flashes of promise, the Chameleons’ lack of poise and composure in critical moments hindered their chances, particularly in the extended second set and late in the third.
The Foxies overcame a shaky start in the opening frame, fending off a late rally from the Chameleons, who pulled within one at 18-19 before folding under pressure.
The second set saw Nxled momentarily take control, leading early and forcing an extension, but a scoring surge led by Dela Cruz and an Nxled miscue sealed the set for Farm Fresh.
In the third set, Nxled again challenged Farm Fresh early, holding a slim 10-9 lead before the Foxies unleashed a 4-1 run. From a 13-11 advantage, Farm Fresh never looked back, with Dela Cruz powering a decisive five-point cluster to give the Foxies a 22-18 cushion.
Coach Benson Bocboc then subbed her out for Maicah Laroza, with the team sealing the set and match shortly after.
"Medyo nangangapa pa sila lahat, tingin ko. First game ng bagong taon, kaya medyo ipon-ipon yung pressure. Kita naman sa galaw nila, medyo pigil pa," said coach Benson Bocboc, reflecting on the team's performance. "Hopefully, makapag-adjust na kami as we prepare for our next game (against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers on Jan. 25)."
Jaila Atienza fired 11 points for Nxled, highlighted by six kill blocks, while Chiara Permentilla struggled for nine markers.
EJ Laure made her debut for Nxled but was unable to turn the tide for the struggling team. The former Chery Tiggo standout finished with eight points, the same output put in by Lycha Ebon, while Krich Macaslang added five markers.
