PVL: Farm Fresh finally breaks through, sweeps Gerflor

Farm Fresh Foxies.–PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Farm Fresh finally entered the win column in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) after sweeping embattled Gerflor, 25-17, 25-17, 25-15, in the second All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Despite being eliminated from the semifinal race last weekend, the Foxies remained determined for the franchise’s breakthrough,  ending a 12-game losing streak — dating back to their winless debut in the Invitational Conference — with Kate Santiago pouring in 18 points on 18-of-33 attacking clip to improve to the 10th place with one win in eight games.

Rookie setter Louie Romero, who dished out 13 excellent sets in just two sets, was relieved that they finally got a victory after their valiant efforts in the past games.

“We’re just happy because our sacrifices finally paying off,” said Romero in Filipino. “I just told my teammates to stay focused and play our game because we’ve waited for this win and we can’t underestimate our opponents.”

The Foxies were happy with the win but they also sympathized with the slumping Defenders, who were eliminated from the semis race, remaining winless in seven games amid their financial problems with the management.

“Of course, we’ve been aware of what’s happening outside and we feel for them. Of course, we’re also players. But we have to play we’re also representing a team and we also wanna put up a great fight,” said libero Kiara Cruz, who had seven digs and two excellent receptions.

Farm Fresh’s Trisha Tubu.–PVL PHOTO

Trisha Tubu, the current league leading scorer, also played in the first and second sets but still finished with nine points as Rizza Cruz chipped in six points, while Camill Avila also scored all her six markers in the third set, highlighted by her three hits in a row that tallied the biggest lead in the game, 16-4, and never looked back to end the game in just 71 minutes.

Farm Fresh seeks to build up from their breakthrough win against Petro Gazz (4-3) on Tuesday next week at Philsports Arena 

“We already know the feeling of winning here in the PVL so we have to remember that all the time. Hopefully, we can bring this next game against a veteran team, Petro Gazz. We’re giving them a fight,” said Cruz.

Gerflor already received a partial payment of the delayed players’ salaries and promised to receive the full salary this week.

Jeanette Villarreal led the Defenders with 12 points including a game-high four blocks. Danika Gendrauli chipped in 11 points, while Menchie Tubiera added seven markers and eight digs as their losing streak was extended to 12 games — including their 0-5 finish in the Invitationals.

The also-ran Gerflor will play in Cagayan De Oro on Saturday against Akari.