When it’s fifth-set time, it’s Trisha Tubu time.
The reigning Season MVP knows full well that Farm Fresh will put the offensive responsibility primarily in her hands when a game stretches to the limit.
And she has embraced that responsibility, along with the challenge that comes with it.
There was no better evidence than the Foxies’ fifth consecutive five-set match in the 2026-27 PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series on Tuesday, when they outlasted the PLDT High Speed Hitters at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, 20-25, 25-17, 23-25, 25-20, 17-15.
Tubu unloaded 30 points in the victory, eight of which came in the deciding set to complete Farm Fresh’s comeback.
In the fifth set, Tubu specifically asked Alohi Robins-Hardy to feed her more balls.
(C) PVL Images
“Hiningi ko talaga kay Ate Alohi yun dapat pagpasok natin give me more balls, then talagang inassure ko sa sarili ko na gagawin ko yung lahat para paluin para makakuha ng points sa bawat talon,” said the five-time PVL Best Opposite Spiker.
Tubu’s role in the team is so well-defined that head coach Koji Tsuzurabara has even coined a term for it.
The 5-foot-9 opposite hitter out of Adamson University currently leads the Foxies in scoring, averaging 17.33 points through six games. Farm Fresh holds a 4-2 record and sits alone in third place.
“Ginagampanan ko lang po yung role ko as spiker, hindi ako pumapasa, hindi ako dumidepensa, so ang pinaka-role ko sinasabi ni coach is, ‘Tubu work!’” she said.
“Pag sinabi na niya yun, ibig sabihin nun kailangan na gumawa ng point. Siguro alam kong kailangan ako ng team kaya bawat set talaga kailangan magawan ko ng paraan, lagi kong iniisip na bahala na basta papaluin ko, alam kong may tao sa likod ko para mag-cover, mablock man ako o madepensahan, alam kong andiyan na naman yung mga kasama ko sa likod.”
