ILAGAN, ISABELA — Farm Fresh notched its first win in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League On Tour, fending off a late fightback by Choco Mucho, 23-25, 25-19, 25-23, 26-24, in front of a jam-packed Capital Arena crowd here on Saturday.
The Flying Titans looked poised to extend the match to a decider after rallying from an 18-22 deficit in the fourth set.
Undrafted rookie Ayesha Juegos, Jen Villegas, and Des Cheng sparked a five-point blitz to give Choco Mucho a 23-22 lead, igniting the already electric Ilagan crowd.
But Farm Fresh responded with composure.
Rizza Cruz and Caitlin Viray delivered back-to-back points to reach match point, 24-23.
Villegas momentarily kept Choco Mucho alive with a quick attack off the block, but Viray answered right back with another point.
Then, Trisha Tubu sealed the deal with a clutch block on Mean Mendrez, wrapping up the win after two hours and 18 minutes of intense action.
(C) PVL Images
“What can I say about this group? As I always tell them, a win isn’t definitive — just like a loss. What matters is taking every moment as it is,” said Farm Fresh head coach Alessandro Lodi, who celebrated his first victory with the Foxies.
“It was a good performance. We’re growing, we’re learning, but we know there’s still a long way to go.”
Lodi also lauded the vibrant crowd at Capital Arena.
“The crowd was spectacular. I’ve been to many volleyball games around the world, but I can’t remember a crowd this loud. It doesn’t matter who they’re cheering for — I love seeing passionate fans on both sides. It’s all love for the game,” he added.
Trisha Tubu powered the Foxies with a dominant all-around performance, tallying 22 points on 16 attacks, three blocks, and three service aces, while also contributing nine digs. Jolina Dela Cruz provided solid support with 16 points and eight excellent receptions.
Viray added 10 points, Lorene Toring chipped in eight, and Cruz had five markers. Third overall draft pick Alohi Robins-Hardy ran the offense with 22 excellent sets.
Rookie libero Ann Monares also made her mark, recording 15 excellent digs out of 32 attempts. The match was riddled with errors, with Farm Fresh committing 39 and Choco Mucho yielding 33.
With the win, the Tubu and Dela Cruz-led Foxies improved to 1-1 in Pool A, while Choco Mucho dropped to 1-2 following their second straight loss.
(C) PVL Images
Both teams are set to return to action tomorrow at the same vibrant venue.
Farm Fresh opens the doubleheader at 4:00 PM against Petro Gazz, while Choco Mucho battles PLDT in the nightcap.
Isa Molde led the Flying Titans with 13 points, while Des Cheng added 10 markers on top of 13 digs and nine receptions.
Villegas, Choco Mucho’s second-round draft pick, stood out with eight points despite only entering the game in the third and fourth sets.
