After months of waiting on the sidelines, Alohi Robins-Hardy’s long-awaited Premier Volleyball League debut was a mix of relief and frustration.
The 6-foot-3 setter finally suited up for Farm Fresh on Tuesday, but her first official match in the country’s top-flight league ended in a tough straight-sets loss to PLDT, 18-25, 21-25, 26-28, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Still, for Robins-Hardy, simply stepping onto the court after an extended and winding journey was a personal victory in itself.
“You know, like I said, it’s bittersweet. Finally being on the court. Coaching sometimes sucks. From outside, you want to get in there, especially for me, since I’m still able to play. Last year was tough, but it’s great, honestly. It’s amazing,” said Robins-Hardy.
Farm Fresh tried to get Robins-Hardy as a direct hire a season ago. However, the setter had never played in the PVL prior, resulting in the need for her to enter the Draft.
In the interim, she served as part of Farm Fresh’s coaching staff, patiently biding her time until draft day finally came.
(C) PVL Images
Robins-Hardy was selected fourth overall by the Foxies, officially clearing the path for her to compete. And though her debut didn’t come with a win, it marked a major personal milestone.
“It’s bittersweet. First game out there, finally my work is showing. And for our team as well. I’m proud of our girls. We’re really trusting the process. It’s a relief, honestly. It’s been way too long,” she added.
Despite the loss, Robins-Hardy showed glimpses of her potential impact. Her height, court vision, and leadership were evident, though she admitted there’s still plenty of work to do in getting back into peak form and syncing fully with her teammates.
“I’m not super satisfied, but I know I can play. I can move well. And I think that comes with my experience. So I think coaching is really helping with that, too, in his system. I think we’re flowing pretty well. It’s always going to have work to be done, so it’s a good thing,” she said.
Having been around the team in a non-playing role for over a year has helped her integrate smoothly, easing her transition into a key role on the court. She’s familiar with the system, understands the personnel, and is now focused on bridging the gap between Farm Fresh’s new direction and execution.
Robins-Hardy emphasized her role in helping new head coach Alessandro Lodi translate his philosophy and system to the team — on and off the court.
“You know, we want to win, obviously. That’s the big goal. But right now, I think we just need to trust the process, as I said before. And for me as well, I think trusting the process, trusting the coach. And helping translate what coach wants to the team as well. Because I know sometimes there’s a language barrier,” she shared.
“So I think that’s probably going to be the biggest thing for me, is helping translate what coach wants. As well as, you know, pushing my teammates to be better every day, as well as myself.”
#WATCH: A bittersweet debut for Alohi Robins-Hardy — not the result she wanted, but she’s just glad to finally be back on the court 🏐
🎥 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times#PVL2025 pic.twitter.com/gvKEmCLAut
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) July 1, 2025
