Trisha Tubu delivered in the clutch as Farm Fresh refused to bow down, dragging PLDT to the brink of elimination with a gutsy 25-23, 18-25, 25-19, 25-23 victory to stay alive in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference round-robin semifinals Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Tubu came up big in the fourth frame, unloading five of the team’s last seven points as they stormed back from an 18-22 deficit to snatch the set and the match — a surge that reignited the Foxies’ Finals hopes as they leveled their semis record at 1-1.
It was a strong bounce-back performance from the four-time league Best Opposite Spiker, who found herself held to just 13 points in their deflating loss to Cignal. This time, she erupted for 28 points built on 26 attacks and two blocks, alongside eight excellent digs.
(C) PVL Images
“Yung crucial part, yung pa-ending ng game, sobrang thankful ako sa coaches at mga kasama ko. Yung trust talaga, kahit anong mangyari, hindi nila ako pinabayaan. Kaya total team effort talaga ’tong game na ’to — super,” said Tubu.
With the High Speed Hitters threatening to extend the match to a fifth set, Tubu spearheaded a massive 7-0 run that turned an 18-22 deficit into a commanding 24-22 lead, putting Farm Fresh at match point.
Alleiah Malaluan stopped the bleeding for PLDT with a down-the-line hit, but Tubu answered with a game-winning cross-court attack that kept Farm Fresh in the running for a Finals berth.
This is also its first-ever franchise win over the High Speed Hitters.
“Thank you so much for this fantastic game. Before the game, I said to the players that we are the challengers,” said Foxies head coach Koji Tsuzurabara.
Ces Molina added 12 points and nine excellent receptions in Farm Fresh’s crucial victory. Royse Tubino contributed 10 markers — all from attacks — off the bench, to go with 15 excellent receptions.
Ara Galang chipped in seven points, while Riri Meneses and Mylene Paat each had five markers.
Alohi Robins-Hardy orchestrated the offense with 20 excellent sets and two points. Then Maicah Larroza and Bia General, who shared libero duties, registered 12 excellent digs and 18 excellent receptions, respectively.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, PLDT, the top-ranked squad after the eliminations, is now on the brink of elimination after dropping to 0-2 in the semis standings.
Kianna Dy led the High Speed Hitters with 20 points.
Savannah Davison finished with 18 points and 13 excellent receptions, while Malaluan delivered another stellar outing with 17 points and 14 excellent digs.
Kim Fajardo dished out 27 excellent sets, as Kath Arado collected 19 excellent digs and 18 excellent receptions.
PLDT, which could be eliminated even before playing its final semis game, will face Cignal on Thursday at 6:30 PM.
