Through six PVL conferences, four head coaches, and more than a few growing pains, Trisha Tubu and Rizza Cruz have remained constants for Farm Fresh — the loyal pioneers of a franchise still finding its rhythm in the Premier Volleyball League.
But in the 2025 PVL On Tour, it seems the Foxies have finally hit their stride — and much of that has to do with a new voice on the sidelines: Italian head coach Alessandro Lodi.
After missing an outright quarterfinal berth despite a respectable 3-2 record in Pool A, Farm Fresh bounced back with authority on Saturday at the Dasmariñas Arena, sweeping Capital1, 25-20, 25-15, 25-21, to punch their ticket to the knockout rounds.
For Tubu, who delivered another composed performance on the court, the biggest shift has been internal — and it’s all thanks to a new culture of trust and freedom instilled by Coach Lodi.
“Itong kay Coach Lodi naman, talagang ngayon, ramdam namin 'yung trust niya sa'min na 'di kami takot magkamali, kasi before nakakatakot magkamali eh,” shared the two-time Best Opposite Spiker.
“Kasi isang error mo lang, isang puntos 'yung katumbas. Ngayon, ang sarap lang sa feeling na siya magre-recommend, pero 'yung tiwala niya sa 'yo, buong-buo. Tapos 'pag mag-error ka tapos ginawa mo 'yung part mo, papalakpakan ka pa niya, masaya siya doon.”
That kind of coaching, Tubu says, has unlocked a new level of confidence not just for her, but for the entire team.
Rizza Cruz, who has anchored Farm Fresh’s middle since their debut season, agrees.
“Thankful kami for the trust of Coach Lodi at lagi niyang sinasabi sa amin na maglaro lang kami, as long as ginagawa namin yung tamang process at yung mga dapat gawin, walang problema. Kahit magkamali ka as long as nakikita niya na tama yung ginagawa mo, that's okay. Doon nanggagaling yung confidence namin,” she said.
Confidence that has now translated to four wins in the PVL On Tour — and a chance to face powerhouse Creamline in the quarterfinals on August 9 at the Philsports Arena.
But Tubu is quick to point out that this current breakthrough wouldn’t have been possible without the foundation laid by their former coaches — each of whom brought something unique to the program.
“Sa sobrang dami naming naging coach, may kaniya-kaniya din kasi silang input sa 'min. 'Di sila pare-parehas ng style, pero 'yung bawat natututunan namin sa kanila, talagang nagagamit namin lahat.”
Farm Fresh’s journey started under the seasoned guidance of Jerry Yee, who brought in a core of players from NCAA powerhouse Benilde. He was later succeeded by Shota Sato, the Japanese tactician known for his fast-paced system. Then came Benson Bocboc, who took the reins as interim coach and introduced a data-driven approach before the team finally tapped Lodi to usher in a new era.
Each change brought its own challenges. Each season tested their patience. But through it all, Tubu and Cruz stayed the course — determined to be part of something bigger than just win-loss records.
Now, with Lodi at the helm, that "something bigger" is starting to materialize.
