In a game that was as much about redemption as competition, Jolina Dela Cruz and Lorene Toring returned to the volleyball court.
The Farm Fresh Foxies' 25-22, 26-24, 25-21 victory over Nxled in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference wasn’t just another win—it was a celebration.
For Jolina Dela Cruz, the Philsports Arena held bittersweet memories.
It was there, over a year ago, that the former La Salle standout tore her ACL during a match while playing for F2 Logistics.
On Saturday, she returned to the same court, this time wearing Farm Fresh colors, and delivered a stellar performance.
Scoring a game-high 20 points from 18 attacks and two blocks, Dela Cruz showed no signs of her traumatic past.
Her defense was equally sharp, contributing five excellent digs and five excellent receptions. Yet, the journey to this triumphant moment wasn’t without its challenges.
“Pagpasok ko kanina, nagpe-pray lang ako kasi nga kahapon, sabi ko dito ako na-injure sa Philsports,” Dela Cruz revealed, reflecting on the mental hurdles she had to overcome.
“Unti-unti nao-overcome ko ‘yung fear,” she added.
The 5-foot-9 outside hitter underwent surgery in January 2024 and spent the past year recovering and studying the game from the sidelines. That period of reflection, she said, gave her a deeper understanding of the sport.
“Nung sa sidelines... naging opportunity siya para makapag-aral pa kami ni Lorene. Sana nga ma-master pa namin,” Dela Cruz shared.
For Lorene Toring, Saturday marked not just a return but a beginning.
The 5-foot-11 middle blocker made her long-awaited professional debut after an ACL injury derailed her collegiate career with Adamson University.
Toring's injury occurred during training before UAAP Season 86, cutting short her final playing year.
Despite her extended absence, Toring showcased glimpses of her potential, contributing three points in Farm Fresh's sweep of Nxled.
“Medyo kinakabahan kanina pero nung paunti-unti na nakukuha na namin yung groove, tumataas na yung confidence namin,” Toring said, describing her nerves and gradual adjustment to the game.
Joining Farm Fresh also reunited Toring with her former Adamson teammates Louie Romero, Trisha Tubu, Aprylle Tagsip, and Rizza Cruz, a factor she said added to the joy of her return.
“Sobrang happy kasi matagal ko na ‘to hinintay,” Toring shared.
Toring’s vocal leadership, a trademark of her playing style, remains a critical asset. “Mostly sa Farm Fresh, mga nonchalant sila, hindi sila nagsasalita. Ayun yung way sa pagtulong ko sa team,” she explained.
Both Dela Cruz and Toring expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the young Farm Fresh squad.
“Masaya and nakaka-miss talagang maramdaman ulit ‘yung pressure. Privilege siya and thank you kay coach Boc na binigyan kami ng opportunity,” Dela Cruz said.
As they move forward, the two players aim to channel the lessons learned from their respective journeys to help the Foxies build momentum in the All-Filipino Conference.
