By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Trisha Tubu laid it all on the floor and became the catalyst during Farm Fresh’s convincing win over the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 28-26, 17-25, 25-19, 25-17, in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on January 30, 2025, at the Philsports Arena.
The leftie power hitter reset her new PVL career-high in points, erupting for 33 big markers built from 28 successful attacks alongside four service aces and a block.
Tubu went off to the races during the marathon first-set affair, when the Highrisers refused to give up and forced the Foxies to a thrilling decider.
However, it was Farm Fresh who provided the clutch hits, with one crucial cross-court kill scored by Tubu that electrified the attendees that flocked to Pasig.
After establishing their footing heading into the next sets by bagging a momentum-boosting 1-0 lead, Farm Fresh started to steamroll their way and fed the waxing hot Tubu who went unconscious on the offensive end.
Despite dropping the second frame due to signs of fatigue, the Foxies were able to bounce back in the third and fourth periods to seal the deal and run away with the dub.
Tubu went silent for a brief moment when they lost the second set but redeemed herself in the crucial stretches of the last two frames that lifted Farm Fresh out of the mud.
Aside from Tubu, Alyssa Bertolano also joined the offensive party and delivered an all-around efficient performance of 11 points, 12 excellent receptions, and seven excellent digs.
Perhaps the most memorable moment of the game was when Rachel Anne Daquis was fielded in the match late in the opening set.
After missing the PVL for over a year due to business ventures, the former PVL superstar officially made her debut for Farm Fresh and put up a point midway through the second set.
“So na-activate natin si Rachel ngayon, so handa naman siya. Eventually, more and more time on the court pa. Darating ‘yan pakonti-konti. Okay naman in general, naninibago pa pero at least nakuha natin ‘yung panalo,” said Farm Fresh chief tactician Benson Bocboc.
Just a week ago, the Foxies gained a huge boost when Jolina Dela Cruz, their top recruit last year, already made her debut after missing several conferences due to a major knee injury.
Now, coach Bocboc will have the luxury to rotate such a talented pool of players composed of Tubu, Dela Cruz, Daquis, Bertolano, and Louie Romero.
