NOT YOUR TYPICAL FARM TEAM
Trisha Tubu led the Farm Fresh Foxies to their best franchise start after keeping her squad unbeaten in two games in the PVL Reinforced Conference—the self-confessed favorite tournament of the power-hitting standout because battling against foreign opposition motivates her.
Tubu unleashed 21 points on an efficient 19-of-32 attacking clip to lead Farm Fresh’s 25-19, 25-20, 25-16 sweep of the undermanned Cignal for a 2-0 lead in Pool A on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“This is probably our best start to a conference. In past conferences, we usually opened with a loss. But now, we’re starting 2–0, and hopefully we keep it going in the next games,” Tubu told the Inquirer in Filipino. “Every team is competitive since they all have their own imports. As for me, I know I have to do my part. It’s been super exciting because we’re up against a different level of talent now.”
The 24-year-old spiker, who opted to turn pro after one year with Adamson in the UAAP, relished the Foxies rise, giving the credit to coach Alessandro Lodi’s system and culture and the guidance of Ces Molina, Rachel Anne Daquis, Ria Meneses and Jheck Dionela, who are all former Cignal HD Spikers, and rookie setter Alohi Robins-Hardy.
“I’ve been with the team for quite a while now, and I’ve experienced different coaches and systems. But what stands out with Coach Lodi is that he really wants us to be united. He always says, “If one of us has a problem, we all do,” said Tubu.
“We used to lack veterans who could guide us mentally, especially when dealing with losses. Sometimes we’d wonder, what are we missing? The skills are there, those can be developed. But what we really lacked was grit, that fighting spirit on the court. The veterans remind us all the time, “We’ll receive for you, don’t overthink. If you get blocked, we’ve got your back.”
Tubu believes that Farm Fresh has a good mix of veterans and young players, including Rizza Cruz, Alyssa Bertolano, Jolina Dela Cruz, Lorene Toring, Louie Romero, Ann Monares and Belgian import Eli Rousseaux, who all led to the franchise’s best start.
“Our team is really a good mix of veterans and young players, and everyone contributes their own ideas. I think that’s a big reason why we’re growing and becoming more solid as a unit. We trust each other,” she said. “There’s no pressure anymore to rely on just one person to score or carry the team. The load is more balanced now, and it makes the game more fun to play. Everything just flows smoothly and easily.”
Rousseaux, who debuted with 38 points last week, delivered 17 points and 11 digs, while Ces Molina haunted her ex-team with 11 points.
Tubu is eager to keep Farm Fresh’s momentum going as she battles top rookie Bella Belen—interestingly, the last player she faced in the UAAP Season 85 in Adamson’s Final Four loss to National University two years ago—on Tuesday next week at the same venue.
The Super Spikers missed Vanie Gandler due to a minor injury, and coach Shaq Delos Santos, who is recovering from the flu in the hospital. Deputy Rico De Guzman called the shots.
Greek import Eva Chantava was the lone bright spot for Cignal with 13 points and seven receptions. Ishie Lalongisip had six points, while PVL on Tour MVP Erika Santos was limited to two points.
