ILAGAN, Isabela – Jolina Dela Cruz feels determined to make the most of her fresh start with ZUS Coffee as she looks to rediscover the confidence that once made her one of the Premier Volleyball League’s promising outside hitters.
After receiving a contract extension offer from Farm Fresh during the offseason, Dela Cruz opted to move on and signed with the Thunderbelles in search of a new opportunity.
“Ayun nga, tapos na rin naman ‘yung contract ko with Farm Fresh and that time dapat i-renew rin (nila ako). Pero ayun nga, nag-request na rin ako na (‘wag na),” said the former De La Salle University standout at the Capital Arena here.
Dela Cruz joined Farm Fresh in 2024 following the disbandment of F2 Logistics, but had to wait before making her debut for the Foxies as she recovered from a torn ACL in her right knee.
She made an immediate impact upon her return, but her role gradually diminished as the Foxies continued to shuffle their lineup in search of the right combination.
Seeking more opportunities on the court, Dela Cruz found a new home with ZUS Coffee under head coach Jerry Yee.
(C) PVL Images
“Siyempre, gusto ko talagang makalaro. Ayun, swerte ko rin kasi binibigyan din ako ng playing time ni Coach Jerry (Yee) and nasa magandang system din ako and very welcoming din talaga ‘yung teammates ko,” she said.
The move paid immediate dividends, as the 26-year-old outside hitter impressed in her Thunderbelles debut. She finished with 12 points and 13 excellent receptions to help ZUS Coffee defeat Akari, 25-11, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17, in the opening match of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League on Tour Showdown on Wednesday.
While Dela Cruz admitted she is still rebuilding her confidence after seeing limited action in the previous conference, she believes she is finally moving in the right direction with the trust Yee has shown her from the very beginning.
“Siyempre, una, ‘yung kumpiyansa talaga kasi last conference rin. Ang hirap din ng kumpiyansa; wala rin talagang playing time that time. So eto, super big opportunity ‘to talaga para sa akin,” said the former UAAP Best Outside Hitter.
With the confidence of her coaches and teammates behind her, Dela Cruz is eager to continue growing with the Thunderbelles as she works her way back to peak form.
“Siguro ‘yung growth talaga. Super sarap din maglaro kay Coach Jerry (Yee), kasi hinahayaan niyang makilala mo ‘yung sarili mo, especially sa laro,” she said.
“Like big example rin ‘yung kanina sa court, siyempre may times na mapapagod ka rin, may pagkakataon na mawawala ka rin sa laro pero hinahayaan ka niya. Sasabihin niya lang, ‘Balik,’ ganun.”
