Farm Fresh notches second win in AFC, ends ZUS Coffee’s streak

Farm Fresh emerged victorious over sister team ZUS Coffee off a four-set decision, 26-24, 13-25, 25-21, 25-19, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Thursday, December 6, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

After barely winning the opening set and getting slumped in the second, the Foxies regained their rhythm and immediately corrected the mistakes in the last two frames to secure the win and post an even 2-2 win-loss record.

Jovelyn Gonzaga's attack error at 19-15 gave the Foxies a four-point lead after the game had started neck and neck in the fourth set.

With momentum on their side, Trisha Tubu propelled Farm Fresh ahead to gain its largest lead at 23-16.

“We observe how they move, and if we see something that doesn’t align with their usual play, we need to correct it immediately, and that’s what happened earlier,” said Farm Fresh head coach Edson Bocboc. 

“In the first two sets, they were really off, so those are the things we need to fix. They still need to get used to competing and playing in more matches,” he added.

Tubu, who unleashed 21 hits in just three sets against the Akari Chargers, posted a game-high 28 points off 27 attacks and a single block. She quickly attributed the victory to their combined teamwork.

“All our lapses are addressed immediately in training. There are still a few, but we’re working on them to ensure they don’t happen in our next games,” Tubu said.

The 24-year-old opposite spiker also said her game still has room for improvement.

“Actually, I look for progress in myself every day. Thankfully, I’ve been able to contribute to the team, but I know there’s still a lot to improve on, so I work on it daily,” she added.

Alyssa Bertolano contributed with an overall performance, scattering a triple-double of 12 markers and an equal amount of excellent digs and receptions, while Louie Romero orchestrated the team’s play, casting 14 excellent sets.

Meanwhile, top overall pick Thea Gagate was still productive with 16 points anchored on 12 attacks, three blocks, and an ace. 

Jovelyn Gonzaga and Chinnie Arroyo both had 10 markers in the losing cause, while Michelle Gamit finished with eight.

The Foxies will aim to log in their third consecutive victory before Christmas break as they play against Choco Mucho, while the Thunderbelles will look to get back to the win column when they face undefeated Creamline, both on Thursday, December 12, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.