Farm Fresh reignited its quarterfinal aspirations with a decisive 3-0 victory over Capital1 on Thursday, snapping their opponent’s three-game winning streak in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena.
The straight-set triumph, with scores of 25-17, 25-23, 25-20, proved crucial for Farm Fresh as they push to secure a playoff spot.
Yeny Murillo led the charge for Farm Fresh, outshining Capital1’s star Marina Tushova despite Tushova’s impressive 15-point performance.
Murillo’s efforts were bolstered by Trisha Tubu, who contributed 12 points, and Caitlin Viray and Rizza Cruz, who added nine points each.
The team’s cohesion was a significant factor in their quick 1-hour-and-35-minute victory over the Solar Spikers, moving them closer to the quarterfinals.
Farm Fresh had struggled with back-to-back losses in previous games, but head coach Shota Sato remained confident.
“Our level of play is there despite the setbacks,” Sato said through an interpreter. “I trust our players, and we’ll make the necessary adjustments in training.”
With this win, Farm Fresh improved to a 3-4 record, securing the No. 8 spot from the Choco Mucho Flying Titans (2-4).
Their next challenge will be against the unbeaten Akari Chargers on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Solar Spikers, now holding a 4-3 record and dropping to sixth place, will aim to bounce back against the winless Galeries Tower Highrisers.
Tushova, who set a conference-high with 49 points in a previous match against the Nxled Chameleons, was limited to just 18 points by the Farm Fresh defense.
The defensive effort allowed the Foxies to outshine Capital1 in spikes (44-39) and match them in blocks (5-5).
Additionally, Farm Fresh capitalized on Capital1’s weak service reception, recording four aces to Capital1’s one.
Farm Fresh also exploited Capital1’s inconsistency, scoring 23 points off their opponents’ unforced errors while minimizing their own to just 16.
Defensive stalwart Janel Delerio led with 22 digs, supported by Viray’s nine, as Farm Fresh totaled 63 digs—nearly double Capital1’s 35.
In the setting battle, Louie Romero of Farm Fresh edged out Iris Tolenada 16-13. Both Delerio and Murillo finished with nine excellent receptions, though Tushova led the match with 17.
Games Tomorrow (Saturday) (MOA Arena)
- 1 p.m. – ZUS Coffee vs Chery Tiggo
- 3 p.m. – Petro Gazz vs PLDT
- 5 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Creamline
