Despite an early exit in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference, Farm Fresh captain Louie Romero remains proud and optimistic about the future of the young Foxies squad.
The Foxies made their first-ever playoff appearance, a significant milestone for the team, but fell to a surging Akari team in four sets on Saturday at the Filoil Ecooil Centre, ending their run in the tournament.
“Sobrang proud ako, sabi ko nga sa kanila sobrang proud ako sa mga kasama ko kasi nakita namin ‘yung effort and sacrifice talaga nagbunga,” Romero shared. “Although kinapos talaga kami, may mga times na kinakapos talaga kami pero alam namin na ‘yung potential talaga ng bawat isa nakikita namin. Thank you rin sa system ni coach Sato kasi ang layo na talaga ng inimprove ng Farm Fresh.”
Indeed, Farm Fresh's potential shone through, especially when the eighth-seeded Foxies surprised the unbeaten, top-seeded Chargers by taking the first set. However, maintaining that momentum proved challenging as Akari came roaring back to clinch the next three sets and the match.
Despite the loss, Romero views this playoff experience as a stepping stone for Farm Fresh, fueling her excitement for the season-ending All-Filipino Conference.
“Super excited kasi All-Filipino, lahat eager bumalik sa training lalo ngayon ang dami naming natutunan sa game. Madami pa kaming iti-training, ‘yung mga lapses namin, and alam namin na mas malayo pa ‘yung pwede naming puntahan,” she expressed.
The 24-year-old setter is also looking forward to the return of injured teammates Jolina Dela Cruz and Lorene Toring, whose presence she believes will be crucial for the Foxies' future campaigns.
“‘Yung mga injured samin, like kanina si [Lorene] Toring, medyo nafu-frustrate siya so kinausap ko lang talaga siya and sabi ko aantayin ka namin. ‘Yun naman talaga ‘yung goal namin, aantayin namin sila makabalik and hopefully makalaro na talaga sila,” Romero said.
“Sabi ko naman sa kanila na ‘wag nila madaliin ‘yung process kasi mahirap talaga kapag na-injury. So kung sino lang talaga ‘yung nandiyan, kung sino ‘yung available, kailangan talagang mag-work hard talaga para sa team.”
With their first playoff appearance under their belt and a hunger for more success, the Foxies are determined to build on this experience and continue their upward trajectory in the PVL.
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