Runs in the family
Alohi Robins-Hardy was brilliant—and at one stretch, electrifying—on Tuesday, finishing with 21 excellent sets and nine points to lead Farm Fresh to a 22-25, 25-21, 25-22 win over Capital1 in the PVL Reinforced Conference eliminations at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Filipino American setter was all over the court, and her performance brought cousin and soon-to-retire PBA and ex-Gilas Pilipinas star Gabe Norwood to his feet at ringside—especially during a spectacular 1-2 play in the fourth set that gave the Foxies a 19-16 lead en route to a 3-0 record.
It was a special game for Robins-Hardy—not just because she earned Player of the Game honors, but because Norwood and his family were there to witness it as Farm Fresh remained on top of Pool A with the franchise’s best start.
“I’m glad he actually made it today,” Robins-Hardy told the Inquirer. “He had [other] plans that got canceled. What a crazy coincidence.”
As for the 1-2 play, which she said she plans to use more often?
“I think I kind of saw him reiterating it on the side there,” said the PVL rookie, drafted third overall. “Coach had shown me a couple videos from before, different players doing it. I’ve practiced it. I’ve done it in exhibition and friendly games. So, hoping to add that to my toolbox.”
As Robins-Hardy begins her first PVL season at the same stretch when Norwood is wrapping up his PBA career with Rain or Shine, she hopes to honor her cousin’s legacy.
“It’s very bittersweet. But I’m super proud of him—just super proud of what he’s done and what he’s brought to the PBA, to the Philippines,” she said. “Not only in basketball, but to the community. I’m not even close to what he’s been for everybody here, but hopefully I’ve been somewhat of an inspiration for [Filipinos born or raised abroad] to come out here and shine.”
Aiming for title
Norwood, who has followed Robins-Hardy’s games in the Philippines since 2019, returned the praise.
“She’s been a pro for a long time and she’s had a great career. Just her overall experience—she’s played all over the world,” he said. “If anything, I’m probably learning from her. Just her approach to the game, her mental focus. It’s great to have her family—our extended family—around to support her.”
The former Gilas star is aiming for a final championship in his last PBA season.
“I wanted to announce [my retirement] early so I could really lock in and try to get a championship for Rain or Shine. We haven’t won an all-Filipino title, so that’s the focus now,” Norwood said. “I’m trying to save my emotions for the end—the true end—and stay focused. But I’ve been truly blessed to have a long career. Not many get to play past 10 years, much less almost 20. I’m very grateful to the league and especially my family, like Alohi.”
Behind Robins-Hardy’s playmaking, Eli Rousseaux erupted for 36 points, while Trisha Tubu and Ces Molina added 13 apiece.
The Solar Spikers dropped to 1-2, with Sasha Bytsenko scoring 26 and Bella Belen adding 20 points and 19 digs.
