Farm Fresh picked up where it left off, taking a four-set victory over ZUS Coffee, 26-24, 13-25, 25-21, 25-19, for its second straight win in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Foxies, fresh off a stunning straight-sets win over Akari, struggled in the first two sets – including a come-from-behind victory in the opener.
However, they shook off their early woes to end the Thunderbelles’ two-game winning streak and improve their record to 2-2.
Farm Fresh momentarily joined its victims and the Chargers in a crowded tie spanning sixth to eighth place.
“Nakikita natin kung paano sila gumagalaw ‘no, so kapag may nakita tayong hindi maganda, ‘di nag-aayon sa normal nilang galaw, kailangan i-tama natin kaagad ‘yung direksyon at ‘yun ‘yung nangyari kanina,” said Foxies head coach Benson Bocboc.
(C) PVL Images
After struggling initially, Farm Fresh found its rhythm in the last two sets, capped by a scorching 11-5 finishing kick in the fourth led by Trisha Tubu, Alyssa Bertolano, Louie Romero, and Rizza Cruz.
The decisive run broke a 14-all deadlock in the fourth and sealed the victory after nearly two hours of play.
“Sa dalawang set, medyo off na off talaga,” added Bocboc, referring to the first and second frames. “So ‘yun ‘yung mga bagay na aayusin namin kasi kailangan pang masanay silang lumaban at maglaro ng mas marami pang matches.”
Tubu, fresh off a stellar 21-point performance in their sweep of Akari, once again took charge for the Foxies with a game-high 28 points, highlighted by 27 attacks and a single block. Her offensive firepower proved crucial in the team’s hard-fought win.
Bertolano showcased her versatility with an impressive all-around game, contributing 12 points while also registering 12 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions.
Cruz also made her presence felt, chipping in eight points, including two blocks.
Romero glued things together for Farm Fresh with 14 excellent sets laced with two points, while Janel Delerio had 10 digs.
The Foxies look to make it three games in a row before heading into the holiday break when they face off against Choco Mucho on Thursday, 6:30 PM at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
(C) PVL Images
On the other hand, top overall pick Thea Gagate paced ZUS Coffee with 16 points on 12 attacks, three blocks, and one ace.
Jovelyn Gonzaga chipped in 10 points, nine excellent receptions, and eight excellent digs.
Chinnie Arroyo had 10 points as well in the loss, while Michelle Gamit scored eight.
The Thunderbelles will try to find their way back to the win column against Creamline also on Thursday.
