ILAGAN, ISABELA — Farm Fresh’s newest recruits Ces Molina and Riri Meneses won’t be making their debut anytime soon, as head coach Alessandro Lodi wants to give the duo ample time to regain peak game shape.
Fondly known as “RiCes,” the athlete-couple signed with the Foxies just last week after spending the past six months as free agents.
Lodi, the Italian tactician recently tapped to lead Farm Fresh, emphasized the importance of preparation and health before fielding them in Premier Volleyball League action. He also sees the ongoing PVL On Tour as an opportunity for other hardworking players to step up and shine.
“Our first priority is to get them in shape and keep them healthy, so we won’t be seeing them on the court for a while,” said Lodi following the Foxies’ thrilling 23-25, 25-19, 25-23, 26-24 win over Choco Mucho at the Capital Arena on Saturday.
“We’ll give them the time they need, just like all the other players who have worked hard from the beginning. To all the fans: be patient. You’ll see them play eventually. But for now, it’s time for those who have been training for many weeks to show what they’ve got,” he added.
For Trisha Tubu, who has long served as the face of Farm Fresh’s youth movement since entering the PVL, the addition of seasoned players like Molina and Meneses can only accelerate the team’s rise to title contention.
“Malaking tulong po, syempre. Veteran na sila, ang dami na nilang napagdaanan at experience. Napakalaking bagay po na maipasa nila sa amin ‘yun, lalo na sa mga bata pa. Kaya ang sarap sa feeling na nandiyan sila,” said Tubu.
The arrival of RiCes brings more veteran leadership to the Foxies’ camp, joining the likes of Rachel Anne Daquis, Jheck Dionela, and Des Clemente-De Guzman.
Meneses and Molina were key pillars for Cignal over the past three years before parting ways with the team in January. Now, the decorated duo begins a new chapter with Farm Fresh — one that will unfold at the right time.
