Despite playing the same position, Trisha Tubu and Mylene Paat-Rezanova have found a way to bring out the best in each other early in Farm Fresh’s campaign in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Siklab series.
The league’s all-to-play format has given both opposites an opportunity to shine, with Tubu and Paat taking turns leading the Foxies’ offense and proving they can thrive alongside each other despite sharing the same position.
Their unusual but effective partnership was on full display on Thursday night. Farm Fresh rallied from two sets down to pull off a thrilling 20-25, 26-28, 25-23, 25-23, 15-13 reverse sweep of previously-unbeaten Choco Mucho at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Tubu took over at the start of the deciding set, unloading six of the Foxies’ first seven points before joining forces with Paat to put away the Flying Titans after two hours and 36 minutes of action.
Paat, who is gradually regaining her form, finished with a team-high 15 points on 11 attacks and four blocks. Meanwhile, Tubu — the reigning PVL Season MVP — chipped in 14 markers as the Foxies improved to 2-1.
Tubu credited Paat, whom she considers her mentor, for helping their partnership flourish. She said their constant communication and the veteran opposite’s guidance have allowed them to complement each other despite playing the same position.
“So, ‘yun nga po, lagi ko pong sinasabi sa interview, eto po ako ngayon dahil kay Ate My (Paat). Siya po talaga ‘yung mentor ko sa team. Actually, siya po ‘yung mas maraming time na magkausap kami kaysa sa timeout kesa sa kausap ko si Coach (Koji Tsuzurabara),” said the 25-year-old winger from Adamson.
“Sila po ni Ate Ara (Galang) ‘yung tumutulong sa akin i-reset ‘yung mindset kung paano ako gagalaw. Sobrang thankful po ako kay Ate My at kay Ate Ara sa bawat training na pinupush nila ako, and, yun po, sobrang ganda lang po ng samahan naming dalawa kahit parehas kami ng position.”
(C) PVL Images
For Paat, the priority is to support Tubu, her fellow Adamson University product, whenever either of them is called upon to take the floor.
That mindset proved crucial in the deciding set, when Paat began experiencing cramps. The veteran opposite was grateful that Tubu stepped up in the crucial stretch, underscoring the trust and support at the heart of their partnership.
“I think, sa akin, ‘yung mindset ko ay suportahan namin ang bawat isa. So, kung sinong ipasok sa amin, kung sino ipasok ni Coach, kailangan support namin ‘yung bawat isa. And ‘pag may masakit ang katawan, naka-backup ‘yung isa, kasi nagka-cramps na ang Ate kanina. I’m so thankful na nag-step up talaga si Tubs,” said the 32-year-old Paat, who also hails from Adamson.
Watching her teammates fight for one another throughout the grueling comeback also left Paat emotional, as the Foxies’ hard work and trust in each other paid off with a statement victory over one of the league’s hottest teams.
“Sobrang emotional ko na to the point na sobrang thankful ko sa teammates ko kasi lumabas ‘yung trust and unity ng team. Kapit at puso ng bawat isa, and tiwala hindi lang sa sarili namin, sa teammates and coaches namin,” she said.
With their partnership already showing promise, Paat and Tubu hope to continue building their chemistry as the conference progresses, giving Farm Fresh another weapon to rely on in the games ahead.
