PVL: Farm Fresh willing to wait on Jolina Dela Cruz recovery

Farm Fresh is certain Jolina Dela Cruz will recover her fiery form upon her return. —PVL IMAGES

Jolina dela Cruz’s return to the court will have to wait for now even as she continues her career with a different franchise in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

The former F2 Logistics standout suffered a knee injury last month after a failed dig attempt in the Cargo Movers’ loss to PLDT in the recent All-Filipino Conference elimination round.

But after undergoing a successful surgery a few days ago, Dela Cruz’s focus now is in rehabilitating her right knee before returning to action with Farm Fresh, which is slowly finding its footing after scoring its first two franchise victories last conference.

After a promising rookie year with F2 Logistics, who decided to leave the pro league after a forgettable exit in the last conference to focus on grassroots development, Dela Cruz took her talents to the Foxies.

And despite knowing that the former La Salle stalwart still needs a lot of time before being able to play once again, Farm Fresh did not hesitate to recruit the rising star.

“We are aware that she can’t play yet because of her previous injury from the last conference,” assistant team manager Kiara Cruz said in a statement posted by the Foxies on social media. “But honestly, I am a believer of Jolina’s talent and passion for the sport,” Cruz went on adding that businessman and team owner Frank Lao shares the same opinion on Dela Cruz.

And Dela Cruz showed exactly that in the short time she has spent in the pro ranks.

Career high

The outside hitter dropped 27 points, 10 digs and 10 receptions to lift F2 past the Foxies last conference before topping that with a career-high 30 points more than a week later.

And the Foxies know that there will be more from where that came from once the 5-foot-9 wing spiker fully recovers. And they will be able to witness that from their side of the court from now on.

“We are very confident that she’ll regain her form and become a better athlete after this. Rest assured, we will all be behind her in her recovery,” Cruz added.

For now, Farm Fresh will continue relying on the powerful Trisha Tubu, Kate Santiago and team captain Louie Romero, the Foxies’ chief playmaker, and another reliable recruit in Caitlin Viray from Choco Mucho as it strives for a much improved performance in the new season ahead. INQ