Initially shocked, Trisha Tubu learned to embrace her Best Opposite Hitter award in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, thanks to the encouraging words from Farm Fresh head coach Shota Sato.
Tubu admitted feeling pressured after receiving the award, but Sato reassured her that she deserved it due to her hard work.
“So yun po, medyo na-pressure. Sabi ko kay coach, I’m pressured because of that award. Pero sabi nga ni Coach (Shota Sato) na mahalin ko yung pressure na yun tapos lagi kong tandaan na deserve ko yun,” said the former Adamson University star.
“Na tinrabaho ko yun. So ipakita ko pa na talagang… at yakapin ko yung award na yun na binigay sakin yun kasi para sakin yun. Laging sinasabi sakin. Sabi ko, parang hindi ko naman yata deserve yun. Sabi kong ganun. Tapos sabi ko no, you worked hard, sabi niyang ganun,” she continued.
(C) PVL Images
The 23-year-old pride of Concepcion was the leading scorer among local opposite spikers, tallying a total of 123 points throughout the import-spiced tournament. She also boasted a 36.77 efficiency rate—the highest among local players.
Tubu revealed that team manager Kiara Cruz had asked her to attend the awarding ceremonies the day before, but she was unaware she had won the award.
“Actually nagulat lang din po ako nung sinabi sakin ni Ate Kiara na pumunta ka ng awarding. Sabi niyang ganun. So hindi ko po alam kung anong gagawin ko dun,” recalled the high-flying Tubu.
“Kasi yun nga po, akala ko kailangan lang ng representative per team. Tapos nung morning, sabi sakin, Congrats Tubs. Punta kang awarding. Tapos nagulat po ako. Talagang wala akong idea bakit ako, ba’t ganun,” she added.
Tubu had nine points in the Foxies’ 13-25, 16-25, 16-25 loss to Kurashiki in their opening game of the Invitational Conference, where they served as a replacement for Akari and PLDT, who both withdrew.
