Reinforced by the return of Jolina Dela Cruz and the debut of Lorene Toring, Farm Fresh defeated Nxled, 25-22, 26-24, 25-21, during the resumption of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
Dela Cruz and Toring were immediately utilized as starters despite coming off ACL injuries and spending a year off the court.
This marked the 5-foot-9 outside hitter’s debut for the Foxies, where she made an immediate impact with 20 points, built on 18 attacks and two service aces.
Meanwhile, this was the 6-foot middle blocker’s first game in the country’s only professional league, where she contributed three points.
(C) PVL Images
Dela Cruz’s brilliance was evident during crunch time in the third set when the Chameleons were mounting a comeback.
With the Foxies ahead 17-16, the De La Salle University product scored five of the team’s final eight points to secure their third win in six games, improving their record to 3-3 for joint-sixth with Akari and Choco Mucho.
Despite the win, Farm Fresh head coach Benson Bocboc shared that their performance in this match did not meet his expectations.
“Tingin ko medyo nangangapa pa sila lahat. First game sa new year, opening the PVL sa January medyo ipon yung pressure. Kita naman yung galaw nila medyo pigil, hopefully makapag-adjust na kami going towards yung second game namin,” said Bocboc.
“Masaya and nakakamiss talagang maramdaman ulit yung pressure. Privilege siya and thank you rin kay coach Boc na binigyan niya kami ni Lorene ng opportunity na makapaglaro ulit at makasama sa starters,” shared Dela Cruz, who also tallied five excellent receptions and five digs.
Lefty opposite hitter Trisha Tubu added 14 points, while Alyssa Bertolano contributed eight points in just two sets of action.
Farm Fresh looks to build on this win when it faces Chery Tiggo next Saturday, still at the Pasig venue.
(C) PVL Images
Jai Atienza led the Chameleons with 11 points, including six blocks and five spikes, while Chiara Permentilla chipped in nine points, six receptions, and six digs.
EJ Laure also made a strong showing in her debut for Nxled, scoring eight points, but the team remained winless in six games this conference, extending its losing streak to 13 matches dating back to the 2024 Reinforced Conference.
The Chameleons will next face sister team Akari Chargers on Thursday, also at Philsports.
