VICTORIAS, Negros Occidental — Her playing time may be limited, and opportunities may be getting rarer, but Ara Galang remains a constant crowd-drawer in the 2026 PVL On Tour Showdown.
In front of a roaring crowd inside the Victorias City Coliseum here on Saturday night, Galang proved she still has what it takes to be a game-changer. She created the spark Farm Fresh needed to outlast Capital1 in a thrilling five-setter, 20-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-12, 15-10.
Every time her name was called and she stepped onto the court, the Negrenses unleashed their loudest cheers, showing their love and support for the former De La Salle University star.
Galang then reciprocated that love with a vintage performance. She delivered 14 points on eight attacks, three blocks, and three aces to help the Foxies secure the win after two hours and 28 minutes.
“Nakaka-miss kasi college madalas kami maglaro dito, Unigames, so nakaka-miss yung ganyang crowd talaga. Nakakatuwa siyempre na maraming sumusuporta sa akin and sa team ng Farm Fresh. Very thankful ako,” said the 31-year-old outside spiker from Pampanga.
(c) PVL Images
After the Solar Spikers took a 2-1 set lead, Galang delivered in the pivotal fourth frame to help extend the match to a deciding set.
Galang came up with multiple aces, crucial blocks, and sharp attacks in the fourth set as she helped swing the momentum back in the Foxies’ favor.
“Siguro yung kumpiyansa lang din pagpasok, yung pag-jell sa team. Kasi nga kailangan ready lang ako kahit kailan ako ipasok, kung kailangan kong mag-step up. Basta pilit ko lang gagawin yung best ko para maka-contribute ako ng positive sa team,” said Galang, who has embraced her role off the bench.
Trisha Tubu once again spearheaded Farm Fresh’s offense with 24 points, while Ces Molina delivered a well-rounded performance with 16 points, 17 excellent receptions, and 11 excellent digs.
Galang and the Foxies will now turn their attention to the upcoming PVL Invitational Conference, which will start on August 31 and run until September 8, with all matches set to take place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Farm Fresh will face fellow local teams Creamline, defending champion PLDT, and Nxled, along with Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City and Thailand’s EST Cola.
