Heady setter Louie Romero provides stability for the young Farm Fresh side’s impressive run in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
More than her superb playmaking, Romero’s leadership inside the court and maturity beyond her years have shown the way for the Foxies.
Her brilliant playmaking was on full display against seasoned Chery Tiggo when she tallied 27 excellent sets in a shocking 25-23, 25-22, 25-16 upset win on Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The 23-year-old setter also had two points as the Foxies finally scored a victory over one of the league contenders, matching their two-win campaign in the previous season in the process.
“Pinag-aralan muna namin kung paano ba talaga gumalaw ‘yung Chery Tiggo. And then given naman before na sina Eya [Laure] nakalaban na namin sa UST, may mga specific target lang kami para makuha namin nang maayos ‘yung panalo namin,” said Romero.
Romero’s heroics earned her the honor of this conference’s third PVL Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of March 5 to 9.
Farm Fresh bounced back from a stinging loss to Akari last Tuesday by bringing down a veteran-laden club for a 2-2 win-loss record.
The former Adamson star wanted to maximize her young but talented attackers, led by Trisha Tubu, Chinnie Arroyo, and Rizza Cruz, leading to their biggest win so far in the PVL since Farm Fresh entered the pro volleyball scene in last year’s Invitational Conference.
“Actually mahirap sa akin talaga ‘yung [ball distribution], lalo na kapag nakikita kong naba-block ‘yung mga spikers ko kasi responsibility ko ‘yun kapag naba-block sila,” said Romero.
“So siguro sa training pa lang talaga, like madaming bago, kinakabisado ko talaga kung sino ‘yung mga dapat set-an, kung ano ba ‘yung set na gusto nila, so ‘yung communication naman sa ‘min very open.”
Romero edged out Petro Gazz star Brooke Van Sickle, teammate Trisha Tubu, and PLDT’s Savi Davison for the weekly honor given by scribes from broadsheets, tabloids, and online platforms covering the beat.
The Foxies remain hungry for more as they brace for another acid test against surging powerhouse Petro Gazz on Thursday.
Romero vows to continue to fight as they face another tough challenge.
“Given na veteran sila, siguro it is a test of character to us kung saan na ba kami, and makikita din namin kung gaano ka-effective ‘yung system. And lalaban kami,” Romero said with a spirited smile.
