PVL: Louie Romero providing leadership, stability for Farm Fresh

Farm Fresh Foxies setter Louie Romero in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.–PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Heady setter Louie Romero has been providing much-needed stability for the young Farm Fresh side in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

More than her superb playmaking, Romero’s leadership inside the court and maturity beyond her years have shown the way for the Foxies.

Her brilliant playmaking was on full display against seasoned Chery Tiggo when she tallied 27 excellent sets in a 25-23, 25-22, 25-16, upset win on Saturday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

The 23-year-old setter also had two points as the Foxies finally scored a victory over one of the league contenders and in the process matched their two-win campaign in the previous season.

“We studied Chery Tiggo’s movements and then, we already faced Eya [Laure] before when she was playing for UST and her other teammates in the UAAP. We have specific targets to get this win today,” said Romero in Filipino.

Romero’s heroics earned her the honor of this conference’s third PVL Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of March 5 to 9.

READ: Louie Romero has high hopes for retooled Farm Fresh

Farm Fresh bounced back from a stinging loss to Akari last Tuesday by bringing down a veteran-laden club for a 2-2 win-loss record.

The former Adamson star wanted to maximize her young but talented attackers, led by Trisha Tubu, Chinnie Arroyo, and Rizza Cruz, leading to their biggest win so far in the PVL since Farm Fresh entered the pro volleyball scene in last year’s Invitational Conference.

“The [ball distribution] is hard for me. When my spiker’s attack gets blocked, it’s my responsibility,” said Romero.

“In training, I familiarize the set plays they want, especially for our new players. We have a very open communication.”

Romero edged out for the weekly honor given by scribes from broadsheets, tabloids, and online platforms covering the beat Petro Gazz star Brooke Van Sickle, teammate Trisha Tubu, and PLDT’s Savi Davison.

The Foxies remain hungry for more as they brace for another acid test against surging powerhouse Petro Gazz on Thursday.

“Given that we’re facing a veteran team, it is a test of character to us. We’ll see where we are and how effective is our system. We will fight,” Romero said with a spirited smile.