Playing the same position could have made Trisha Tubu and Mylene Paat-Rezanova competitors for playing time.
Instead, the two opposites have turned their shared role into an advantage for Farm Fresh, building a partnership anchored on trust, mentorship, and a common desire to help the team win.
That connection became even more evident on Thursday night, when the Foxies staged a remarkable comeback against previously unbeaten Choco Mucho, recovering from a two-set deficit to prevail, 20-25, 26-28, 25-23, 25-23, 15-13, in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Siklab series at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With the league's all-to-play format giving both players opportunities to contribute, Tubu and Paat-Rezanova have embraced their complementary roles, taking turns carrying Farm Fresh's offense instead of competing for the spotlight.
Their value to the Foxies was unmistakable in the deciding set. Tubu took charge early, scoring six of her team's first seven points before combining with Paat-Rezanova to complete the reverse sweep in a grueling two-hour, 36-minute battle.
Paat-Rezanova led Farm Fresh with 15 points on 11 attacks and four blocks, while reigning PVL Season MVP Tubu added 14 markers as the Foxies improved to 2-1.
For Tubu, the growing chemistry goes beyond what happens on the court. She credits the veteran Paat-Rezanova, whom she considers a mentor, for helping her develop the mindset and composure needed to navigate the demands of the game.
The 25-year-old former Adamson standout said their frequent conversations, particularly during timeouts and training sessions, have helped her learn how to respond to different situations and make better decisions on the floor.
“So, ‘yun nga po, lagi ko pong sinasabi sa interview, eto po ako ngayon dahil kay Ate My (Paat). Siya po talaga ‘yung mentor ko sa team. Actually, siya po ‘yung mas maraming time na magkausap kami kaysa sa timeout kesa sa kausap ko si Coach (Koji Tsuzurabara),” Tubu said.
“Sila po ni Ate Ara (Galang) ‘yung tumutulong sa akin i-reset ‘yung mindset kung paano ako gagalaw. Sobrang thankful po ako kay Ate My at kay Ate Ara sa bawat training na pinupush nila ako, and, yun po, sobrang ganda lang po ng samahan naming dalawa kahit parehas kami ng position."
That willingness to learn from one another has allowed the two opposites to thrive despite their overlapping responsibilities. Rather than viewing their shared position as a limitation, they have found ways to keep each other ready whenever their number is called.
Paat-Rezanova, meanwhile, sees mutual support as the foundation of their arrangement. For the 32-year-old veteran, the priority is ensuring that whichever player gets the opportunity to contribute receives the backing of the other.
The importance of that approach surfaced in the fifth set, when Paat-Rezanova began experiencing cramps and needed Tubu to shoulder more of the offensive burden. The reigning MVP responded when Farm Fresh needed her most, reinforcing the trust that has developed between them.
“I think, sa akin, ‘yung mindset ko ay suportahan namin ang bawat isa. So, kung sinong ipasok sa amin, kung sino ipasok ni Coach, kailangan support namin ‘yung bawat isa. And 'pag may masakit ang katawan, naka-backup ‘yung isa, kasi nagka-cramps na ang Ate kanina. I’m so thankful na nag-step up talaga si Tubs,” Paat-Rezanova said.
The comeback carried an emotional significance for the veteran opposite, who saw the victory as a reflection of the unity the Foxies have been cultivating behind the scenes.
After falling behind by two sets, Farm Fresh could have struggled to recover against a Choco Mucho side that had yet to lose in the conference. Instead, the Foxies stayed together, trusting their teammates and coaches through a demanding five-set encounter.
For Paat-Rezanova, that collective belief made the victory particularly meaningful.
“Sobrang emotional ko na to the point na sobrang thankful ko sa teammates ko kasi lumabas ‘yung trust and unity ng team. Kapit at puso ng bawat isa, and tiwala hindi lang sa sarili namin, sa teammates and coaches namin,” she said.
