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Tag: Farm Fresh Foxies

  • Farm Fresh Foxies break free from underdog label, Trisha Tubu leads historic PVL semifinal run

    Farm Fresh Foxies break free from underdog label, Trisha Tubu leads historic PVL semifinal run

    Trisha Tubu and the Farm Fresh Foxies have finally shed the “challenger” tag that has long followed them, punching their ticket to their first-ever PVL semifinals in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference.


    The breakthrough came on Tuesday when Farm Fresh overcame the Nxled Chameleons in a tense play-in match, with Tubu contributing 12 key points to seal the historic victory, 25-17, 25-20, 25-19. 

     

    The win marks a milestone for a squad that has steadily climbed from underdog status to legitimate semifinal contenders. 

     

    “To be honest, sobrang sarap sa feeling. Pinapangarap ko lang to dati. Hindi ko alam kung kailan namin makukuha, pero ito through process and help na lang din ng management and bawat isa talagang trinabaho namin itong semis berth na ito,” the former Adamson Lady Falcon star player said. 

     

    Long considered underdogs, the Foxies had embraced the “challenger” label—but Tubu and her teammates were determined it would not define them forever.

     

    “‘Yun nga ‘yung laging sinasabi ni coach sa amin, challenger lang kami. Pero hanggang kailan kami magiging challenger?” the second on the race for best scorers in the conference said. 

     

    That question has fueled Farm Fresh’s transformation, driving the team to focus on small, steady growth—point by point—rather than fixating on the final outcome.

     

    “Sabi ni coach, huwag niyong isipin na mananalo kayo. Isipin niyo paano kayo mag one point after a point,” Tubu explained.

     

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    The journey has not been smooth. Since 2023, the team has endured multiple coaching changes and system overhauls, demanding constant adaptation from the players. Yet, Tubu sees those challenges as a blessing in disguise.

     

    “Sanay kami sa paiba-ibang sistema,” she said. “‘Yung mga natutunan namin, na-apply namin sa games.”

     

    Under current head coach Koji Tsuzurabara, the focus has expanded beyond skills, emphasizing mindset and mental resilience.

     

    “Hindi lang skills ‘yung trinabaho sa amin, kundi mindset,” Tubu said. “‘Change your thinking, change your mindset’—’yun talaga ‘yung tumatak sa amin.”

     

    What once seemed like a distant dream is now reality. Farm Fresh is no longer chasing—the Foxies have arrived.

     

    “Hindi kami pwedeng challengers lang,” Tubu declared. “Kailangan aangat kami.”

     

    The Farm Fresh Foxies are set to face the Cignal Super Spikers in the semifinals on Saturday, April 11, at the Mall of Asia Arena. The Foxies will look to carry their momentum from the historic play-in win as they aim for a spot in the PVL finals.

     

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  • PVL Final Four cast set with familiar foes in play 

    PVL Final Four cast set with familiar foes in play 

    The Premier Volleyball League did not need a surprise ending to build intrigue for its semifinal round.

     

    What it got instead was something just as compelling — the four teams that have looked strongest for most of the conference are now exactly where they were expected to be, setting the stage for a Final Four loaded with familiarity, unfinished business, and very little separation.

     

    Creamline and Farm Fresh completed the semifinal cast on Tuesday night after surviving their respective knockout assignments, joining PLDT and Cignal in what now feels like the most fitting four-team finish to the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

    That is what makes this next round feel especially sharp.

     

    These are not four teams stumbling into the biggest stage. These are the same four teams that had already spent the latter part of the tournament jockeying for position, pushing each other for better seeding, and revealing just how thin the margins have become among the conference’s top tier. Now, with the semifinals set to begin on April 11, the race simply resets with the same familiar names still standing.

     

    Creamline booked its return the way champions often do — by looking most comfortable once the pressure peaked.

     

    With the season on the line, the Cool Smashers leaned on experience and control to turn back Akari, 25-23, 25-20, 16-25, 25-16, and secure one of the last two semifinal tickets. It was not a flawless performance, but it was the kind of composed response expected from a team that has made a habit of surviving the conference’s biggest nights.

     

    Alyssa Valdez once again looked like the emotional engine of the team, delivering 20 points, 19 digs, and eight receptions in one of her strongest all-around performances of the conference. Bernadeth Pons added 13 points, while Jeanette Panaga chipped in 12 markers as Creamline finally got the balance and poise it had been searching for after an up-and-down stretch entering the Play-In.

     

    The return of Jema Galanza also mattered, even beyond the numbers.For a Creamline side that has spent parts of the conference trying to regain full rhythm and health, having Galanza back in the fold gives the Cool Smashers another layer of depth and stability as they enter a much heavier round-robin semifinal phase. 

     

    Her presence helps complete a veteran core that already includes Valdez, Pons, Panaga, setter Jia De Guzman, and opposite spiker Tots Carlos — a nucleus still capable of making any match feel like it can tilt at any moment.

     

    That is why Creamline remains dangerous even when it has not always looked dominant. On the other side of Tuesday’s twin bill, Farm Fresh did not just reach the semifinals for the first time — it arrived there looking fully deserving of the spot.

     

    The Foxies dismantled Nxled in straight sets, 25-17, 25-20, 25-19, in a performance that showed how far the team has come from being viewed as merely an emerging threat to becoming a legitimate contender. More importantly, they did it by outplaying a veteran-heavy squad that many believed had the edge in big-match experience.

     

    That made the result feel even more significant. Japanese coach Koji Tsuzurabara, who once steered Petro Gazz to an All-Filipino title, found himself now standing on the opposite side of several familiar faces and getting the better of them. 

     

    Against a Nxled team powered by former Petro Gazz mainstays, Farm Fresh looked more organized, sharper in transition, and more connected in the moments that mattered most.

     

    Trisha Tubu led the way with 12 points, while Ces Molina added 10 points and 11 receptions, and Ara Galang contributed nine points in a balanced attack that reflected just how many playable pieces Farm Fresh now has. 

     

    Royse Tubino and Mylene Paat also gave the Foxies additional scoring punch and lineup flexibility, making them one of the few teams left in the field that can shift shape without losing rhythm.

     

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    That depth could become a real factor in the semifinals. Unlike earlier phases of the tournament where one bad match could still be corrected quickly, the round-robin semis will reward teams that can sustain quality across multiple styles and short turnarounds. 

     

    Farm Fresh now enters that stage not as a feel-good underdog, but as a team that has already beaten contenders and earned the right to believe it can go even further.

     

    Unlike earlier phases of the tournament where one bad match could still be corrected quickly, the next round will demand consistency across every outing. The four remaining teams will battle in a round-robin semifinal format, with each squad facing the other three, and only the top two teams advancing to the Finals.

     

    That setup leaves very little room for a slow start. One off night may not end a campaign immediately, but every set, every win, and every head-to-head result could end up carrying major weight. In a field this balanced, surviving the semifinal round may be just as difficult as winning the championship itself.

     

    And that is exactly why this Final Four feels so compelling. PLDT and Cignal may have entered earlier, but they are hardly standing above the rest by a wide margin. PLDT has looked like one of the most stable and physically imposing teams in the conference, with hitters like Savi Davison, Majoy Baron, and Mika Reyes helping anchor a side that has increasingly looked built for long matches and pressure moments.

     

    Cignal, meanwhile, continues to look like one of the most complete teams in the league.

     

    With Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos emerging as two of the conference’s most dynamic stars and the HD Spikers showing they can win both fast and ugly, Cignal enters the semifinals with real momentum after already proving it can outlast a powerhouse like Creamline in a high-pressure setting. 

     

    Their recent win over the Cool Smashers did not just secure a semifinal berth — it also gave them a psychological edge heading into the most important phase of the conference.

    That recent history matters now more than ever. Because once the semifinal round begins, there will be very little mystery left between these teams. 

     

    They know each other’s tendencies, they have already tested each other’s rotations, and they have all spent the past few weeks trying to gain even the smallest edge over one another. At this point, the differences may come down less to talent and more to execution under stress.

     

    That makes the opening semifinal pairings especially interesting. On April 11, Creamline will take on PLDT in a clash between two teams carrying both star power and expectation, while Farm Fresh gets what may be its toughest exam yet against a polished and battle-ready Cignal side.

     

    Both matches will feel like immediate measuring-stick games — not just for seeding, but for tone.

    And in a semifinal field this tight tone matters. Creamline enters as the decorated standard. PLDT comes in with the feel of a team trying to finally break through. 

     

    Cignal looks increasingly like a group ready to make a serious title push. Farm Fresh, meanwhile, now has the chance to prove its rise is not just timely — but real.

     

    The cast is complete now. And fittingly, the teams left standing are the same familiar foes who have spent much of this conference circling each other anyway.

     

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  • “We must make a new history”: Koji Tsuzurabara leads Farm Fresh to PVL semifinals for the first time

    “We must make a new history”: Koji Tsuzurabara leads Farm Fresh to PVL semifinals for the first time

    The Farm Fresh Foxies made history on Tuesday, April 7, as they punched their ticket to the semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) for the very first time, following a dominant 25-17, 25-20, 25-19 victory over the Nxled Chameleons at the FilOil Centre. The landmark win marks a defining moment for the Foxies, a team that has steadily grown in competitiveness under the guidance of its new leadership.

     

    It was a balanced and disciplined effort from Farm Fresh, with Trisha Tubu leading the scoring charge with 12 points. She received ample support from Ces Molina, who contributed 10 points, while Ara Galang added nine. Complementing the attack were Riri Meneses and Royse Tubino, who chipped in seven and five points, respectively. The collective output underscored the Foxies’ cohesion and adaptability on the court, traits that have become more evident under the guidance of head coach Koji Tsuzurabara.

     

    Tsuzurabara, a Japanese tactician with a proven pedigree, previously led the Petro Gazz Angels to the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference championship. During his tenure with Petro Gazz, he successfully managed high-caliber players, including Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips, Myla Pablo, Jules Tolentino, Bang Pineda, Djanel Cheng, and Ranya Musa, among others. Interestingly, many of the core players for Nxled were former Petro Gazz members, who were recruited by the Chameleons after the Angels disbanded.

     

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    Despite his familiarity with both squads, Tsuzurabara remained humble in the post-match press conference and refrained from commenting on whether it gave his team a competitive edge. Instead, he focused on instilling a winning mindset and guiding Farm Fresh toward sustained success.

    “No comment. My coaching started in January. Always, I said to the players, change your mind, change your heart. Little bit, step by step, they have changed their mind. Good game,” Tsuzurabara said.

     

    He further emphasized the Foxies’ status as underdogs and their drive to make a historic breakthrough.

     

    “But we do our best, just best game. Because we are challenger. We are challenger. Other teams, example, Creamline, PLDT, other teams, always A-rank. Farm Fresh before A-B, C-rank team. We are a challenger. That’s it. I want to make, we must make a new history of Farm Fresh,” he added.

    Tubu, the night’s standout performer, echoed the coach’s philosophy, noting that Tsuzurabara has helped unlock new potential within the squad.

     

    “It’s true we’re considered challengers and it’s a challenge for us. How long are we going to stay challengers? Each of us approaches every game knowing we have to work hard for every point. Like coach says, don’t think about winning—focus on how you win each point. And he always reminds us that our real opponent isn’t the team on the other side, but ourselves. If you beat yourself, you win the game,” Tubu said.

     

    With the historic victory, Farm Fresh now prepares to face the formidable Cignal Super Spikers in the first semifinal matchup on Saturday, April 11, at the Mall of Asia Arena. The second semifinal will feature the perennial powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers against the PLDT High Speed Hitters later that day.

     

    Farm Fresh’s remarkable run this season highlights the team’s evolution under Tsuzurabara, with players demonstrating resilience, tactical discipline, and a relentless work ethic. As the Foxies aim to continue their historic journey in the PVL semifinals, their combination of emerging talent and strategic coaching promises to make them a team to watch in Philippine volleyball.

     

     

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  • Brooke Van Sickle commends team effort as Nxled keeps PVL semis bid alive

    Brooke Van Sickle commends team effort as Nxled keeps PVL semis bid alive

    The Nxled Chameleons may not have fully found their rhythm in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, but they continue to show resilience and composure when it matters most—keeping their semifinal hopes alive with a crucial victory.

     

    Nxled booked their spot in the next phase of the Play-In round after sweeping the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 25-23, 25-18, 25-23, on Saturday, March 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. While the straight-sets result suggested control, the contest itself was far from straightforward, as the Chameleons had to fend off multiple surges from a determined Galeries side that refused to back down.

     

    From the opening set, Nxled was forced to stay sharp against a Highrisers squad that had already proven capable of pulling off upsets earlier in the conference. The Chameleons leaned on their experience in the closing moments of each set, particularly in the first and third frames where execution in crunch time spelled the difference.

     

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    Leading the charge was team captain Brooke Van Sickle, who once again anchored Nxled with her leadership and steady presence on the court. Beyond her on-court contributions, Van Sickle emphasized the importance of composure and unity, especially against an opponent that had previously tested them.

     

    “Early in the preliminaries, Galeries upset some teams, especially us. I already knew they were going to be tough and come out firing. Even in the third set, they were still battling until the end, so we just stayed calm and collected,” Van Sickle said.

     

    Despite some inconsistencies throughout the conference, the Chameleons showed flashes of cohesion and mental toughness—qualities that could prove crucial as the competition intensifies. Van Sickle highlighted the team’s ability to stay together through adversity, pointing to their collective effort rather than individual brilliance.

    “There were a few road bumps, but I’m proud of all the girls for sticking together and working as a team, whoever was on the court. I’m really proud of everyone,” she added.

     

    The win not only keeps Nxled in contention but also reinforces their identity as a team capable of grinding out results even without playing at peak form. Contributions came from across the roster, with different players stepping up in key moments to maintain control whenever Galeries threatened to swing momentum.

     

    Van Sickle, who holds the distinction of being the first-ever Most Valuable Player in PVL history, also took time to acknowledge the growth and potential of their opponents. The Galeries Tower Highrisers, one of the younger squads in the league, showed significant promise throughout the conference and pushed Nxled to stay disciplined until the final point.

     

    “I thought Galeries had a really good run. They are going to be very lethal in the future. They already did well,” Van Sickle concluded.

     

    With the victory, Nxled now turns its attention to an even tougher challenge ahead. The Chameleons will face the Farm Fresh Foxies on Tuesday, April 7, at the FilOil Centre, with a coveted semifinal berth on the line. As the stakes rise, Nxled will need to elevate its level of play and maintain the composure that carried them through this latest test if they hope to extend their campaign deeper into the conference.

     

     

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  • PVL showdowns loom as Holy Week break sets stage for do-or-die battles

    PVL showdowns loom as Holy Week break sets stage for do-or-die battles

    The race to the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals is about to hit its most crucial stage, but not before a brief and timely pause.


    As the league intensifies, four teams on the brink of either breakthrough or heartbreak have been given a rare window to reset during the Holy Week break — a moment to regroup before everything is decided on April 7 at the FilOil Centre.

     

    For Farm Fresh, Nxled, Creamline, and Akari, the stakes could not be clearer. Two matches, two winners, and only two tickets to the semifinals remain. 

     

    Waiting on the other side are PLDT and Cignal, already seated and watching closely as they prepare to face whoever survives the coming battles.

     

    The break may be brief, but its impact could be defining. Beyond physical recovery, it offers teams a chance to recalibrate mentally, to correct lapses, refine systems, and brace for the pressure of do-or-die.

     

    Farm Fresh and Creamline enter with something to prove after falling short in the Qualifying Round, while Nxled and Akari arrive battle-tested, having fought their way through the Play-In knockout phase by eliminating Galeries Tower and Choco Mucho, respectively. 

     

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    The first clash at 4 p.m. pits Farm Fresh against Nxled in what shapes up as a high-powered offensive duel. 

     

    Trisha Tubu who is currently a runner up for best scorers is expected to lead the Foxies, backed by a veteran core that includes Ces Molina, Royse Tubino, Riri Meneses, Mylene Paat, and Ara Galang.

     

    Across the net, Nxled counters with Brooke Van Sickle, whose scoring brilliance is complemented by a deep and versatile lineup featuring Myla Pablo, MJ Phillips, Jonah Escamillan, and Chiara Permentilla. 

     

    But if the opener promises intensity, the 6:30 p.m. showdown between Creamline and Akari may carry even heavier narrative weight.

     

    Creamline’s dynasty speaks for itself. The Cool Smashers have not missed the semifinals since 2017 and have captured championships. Yet past dominance offers no guarantees in a win-or-go-home scenario.

     

    Signs of resurgence are there with their star-studded players, Bernadette Pons, Alyssa Valdez, and Jema Galanza. And If everything clicks, Creamline could once again look like a title contender — not just a semifinalist.

     

    Akari, however, refuses to be cast as the underdog. Fresh off a gritty escape in the Play-In stage, the Chargers enter with growing confidence and cohesion. Ivy Lacsina is peaking at the right time, while Eli Soyud, Grethcel Soltones, Fifi Sharma, and Ced Domingo provide a balanced attack capable of challenging even the league’s most decorated squad.

     

    What awaits at the FilOil Centre is more than just two matches, it’s a test of resilience, preparation, and nerve. Stats and history may set the stage, but in knockout games, execution under pressure writes the ending.

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  • PVL Qualifying Round: PLDT, Farm Fresh, Creamline, Cignal fight for direct semis entry

    PVL Qualifying Round: PLDT, Farm Fresh, Creamline, Cignal fight for direct semis entry

    The road to the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals has been long, demanding, and at times unforgiving. But on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, all of that gets reduced to something much simpler: survive, advance, and move one step closer to the title.

     

    After seven grueling weeks of preliminaries and a pressure-filled Play-In stage, the tournament now arrives at a point where every rally carries more weight. The possibilities have narrowed, and the margin for error has become even thinner.

     

    Two coveted outright semifinal berths are up for grabs as the league’s top four teams collide in a pair of high-stakes clashes. PLDT takes on Farm Fresh at 4 p.m., while Creamline and Cignal renew their rivalry at 6:30 p.m. in a rematch that already carries unfinished business.

     

    What makes Thursday feel different is that these are no longer just matches about form or momentum. They are about positioning, survival, and avoiding the dangerous detour that awaits the losers in a longer and more complicated route to the Final Four.

     

    That pressure may be felt most in the nightcap, where Creamline once again finds itself under the brightest spotlight. The Cool Smashers managed to stay inside the Top 4 and avoid the chaos of the Play-In phase, but their path has hardly looked smooth or secure.

     

    For a team that has long been defined by control and composure, this conference has demanded something else: resilience. Creamline has had to adjust on the fly, navigate injuries, and win games without always looking like the polished powerhouse it once was.

     

    And yet, when the stakes rose, Alyssa Valdez delivered. Her triple-double outing in their previous win over Cignal was not just a throwback performance — it was a reminder that Creamline still has enough firepower and poise to respond when the pressure starts to build.

     

    For Valdez, though, the bigger message goes beyond any individual stat line or performance. What matters most to her is making sure the team continues to hold together through the uncertainty.

     

    “I think every game, it’s more of a reminder for myself and for the team that we’re still here,” said Valdez. “I don’t think, parang if there’s something to motivate myself, ang hirap din to actually just think of other people.”

     

    “So ngayon, parang ako, iniisip ko talaga, it’s a reminder na kaya pa. I’ll just do my part in practice at pag kailangan, tutulong tayo. It’s not more of trying to prove anything but trying to stick together and making sure sa sarili ko at sa team na magkakasama kami,” she added.

     

    That mindset may best define where Creamline stands entering this next challenge. This is not a team trying to prove dominance anymore. It is a team trying to remain whole, dangerous, and capable of winning while not always being at full strength.

     

    The uncertainty surrounding Bernadette Pons and Jema Galanza only adds to the tension. Even if both suit up, there are still fair questions about rhythm, chemistry, and how quickly the Cool Smashers can settle into a stable rotation in such an important match.

     

    That is exactly why Cignal enters with reason to believe. The HD Spikers, led by Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, are no longer simply trying to hang around with Creamline — they are beginning to look like a team that believes it can finally break through.

     

    That belief has been building steadily, especially after pushing the Cool Smashers to the limit in their recent five-set battle. Cignal’s more balanced attack and growing cohesion have made them one of the trickiest teams left in the field.

     

    If the Creamline-Cignal showdown feels like a battle of legacy and pressure, the PLDT-Farm Fresh matchup offers a different kind of tension. One side is expected to win. The other is starting to enjoy making people uncomfortable. 

     

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    On paper, PLDT remains the most complete and structurally polished team in the conference. With Savi Davison, Kim Dy, Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron, Alleiah Malaluan, and Kim Fajardo steering the system, the High Speed Hitters have looked like a team built specifically for moments like this.

     

    But if there is one lesson from this conference that should not be ignored, it is that Farm Fresh has outgrown the label of underdog. The Foxies have become too disciplined, too dangerous, and too confident to be treated as a feel-good surprise.

     

    Their previous five-set push against PLDT served as more than just a close call. It was proof that they can match the top seed not only in energy, but in execution and nerve when matches become tight.

     

    At the center of that rise is Trisha Tubu, whose scoring has given Farm Fresh a reliable offensive weapon. Around her is a veteran core of Ces Molina, Royse Tubino, Riri Meneses, Mylene Paat, and Ara Galang, all of whom have helped give the team both toughness and stability.

     

    For Molina, their growth has been rooted less in talent and more in the chemistry they have worked hard to build. In a tournament where every edge matters, that connection has quietly become one of Farm Fresh’s biggest strengths.

     

    “Well, lahat naman ng teams nag-iimprove. Walang easy eam na sa tingin mong matatalo mo talaga. So talagang paghirapan mo,” said Molina, whose veteran presence and firepower – along with Tubino, Paat and Galang – have helped position the Foxies as the team most capable of shaking up the established order.

     

    She also pointed to the team’s developing trust as a key part of their rise this conference. For Farm Fresh, the progress has not only been about systems or lineups, but about understanding each other in the moments that matter most.

     

    “’Yun nga ‘yung sinasabi ni coach Koji (Tsuzurabara) palagi na tignan mo ‘yung kasama mo sa mata doon mo mabubuo ‘yung teamwork niyo eh. I think ‘yung team nakukuha na namin ‘yung ganoon eh, ‘yung isang tingin palang nagki-click na kami, talagang tinatrabaho namin ‘yung chemistry. Kasi ‘yun ‘yung pinakamahirap para sa isang bagong team ulit para magsimula,”

     

    The winners on Thursday will earn something more valuable than just momentum. 

     

    They will claim a direct path into the Final Four, giving themselves not just a better position in the bracket, but also breathing room in a tournament that has already demanded so much physically and emotionally.

     

    The losers will still have life left, but their road becomes more dangerous. Instead of advancing directly, they will have to survive another hurdle against the teams emerging from the Play-In stage.

     

    That means Thursday is not quite do-or-die — but it is close enough to feel like it. And with a roaring crowd expected at Araneta, both matches carry all the ingredients of defining postseason volleyball. 

     

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  • PLDT, Cignal, Creamline, Farm Fresh complete PVL All-Filipino Qualifying Round cast

    PLDT, Cignal, Creamline, Farm Fresh complete PVL All-Filipino Qualifying Round cast

    After a chaotic and tightly contested preliminary phase, the PLDT High Speed Hitters, Cignal HD Spikers, Creamline Cool Smashers, and Farm Fresh Foxies have emerged as the final cast for the qualifying round of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Two outright semifinal spots now hang in the balance as the quartet prepares for a pair of knockout clashes on Thursday, with PLDT facing Farm Fresh and Cignal set to run it back against Creamline.

     

    Creamline booked the final ticket in dramatic fashion, surviving an undermanned lineup and a relentless challenge from Cignal in a gripping five-set duel, 25-19, 25-20, 15-25, 26-28, 16-14, before a packed crowd at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

     

    In a deciding set that saw momentum swing wildly, the Cool Smashers leaned on composure and experience. Bea De Leon delivered the decisive moment, denying Jewel Encarnacion at the net to end a nerve-wracking contest and push Creamline into the next phase as the No. 3 seed.

     

    A key factor in Creamline’s late surge was Alyssa Valdez, whose impact went beyond numbers and into momentum-shifting performances. When given extended playing time, Valdez delivered 14 points in one outing and followed it up with a 21-point performance anchored by 13 excellent receptions and digs. Her all-around brilliance powered Creamline to back-to-back wins to close the preliminaries, ultimately earning her PVL Player of the Week honors and helping secure their spot in the qualifying round.

     

    That result sets up an immediate rematch, with Creamline facing No. 2 Cignal once more—this time with a semifinal berth on the line.

     

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    If Creamline’s entry was defined by grit, Farm Fresh’s was built on authority. What had been expected as a tight, down-to-the-wire clash for a Top Four berth instead turned into a statement performance, as the Foxies dismantled the streaking Akari Power Chargers, 25-19, 25-14, 23-25, 25-17, at the same venue.


    The emphatic win not only snapped Akari’s momentum but also secured Farm Fresh the No. 4 seed, allowing them to edge out both the Nxled Chameleons and Akari in a tightly contested tiebreak for the final qualifying spot.

     

    Meanwhile, PLDT’s path to the top seed was shaped long before the final stretch. Even after absorbing a late setback against Nxled, the High Speed Hitters’ body of work had already established their position. A four-game winning streak to open the conference, followed by another three-game surge after a loss to Cignal, laid the foundation for their rise.

     

    Those runs were not built on easy wins either. PLDT took down heavyweight contenders such as Creamline, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, and Farm Fresh along the way—victories that ultimately defined their push for the No. 1 ranking heading into the qualifying round.

     

    While the spotlight now shifts to the quarterfinalists, the battle continues for those left behind. Nxled finished fifth and Akari sixth, sending both teams to the Play-In stage along with the rest of the lower-ranked squads. The Chameleons will headline Group I with the Capital1 Solar Spikers and the Galeries Tower Highrisers, while Akari joins Choco Mucho and the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in Group II.

     

    From there, the path only gets tougher, with the Play-In winners still needing to defeat the losers of the qualifying round matches to complete the Final Four.

     

    For now, however, the focus is set on four teams with everything still within reach. By the end of the week, only two will move forward—but all four have already shown why they belong.

     

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  • “Hindi na kami underdog”: Trisha Tubu declares new era for Farm Fresh after statement win over Creamline

    “Hindi na kami underdog”: Trisha Tubu declares new era for Farm Fresh after statement win over Creamline

    The Farm Fresh Foxies continued to build momentum in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, delivering one of the most emphatic wins of the tournament so far with a four-set triumph over perennial contenders, the Creamline Cool Smashers.

     

    In a high-energy clash at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex on Tuesday, March 17, the Foxies showcased both composure and firepower, taking down Creamline, 25-16, 25-22, 18-25, 25-23. The result not only snapped any lingering doubts about their consistency but also sent a clear message to the rest of the league: Farm Fresh is no longer content with being labeled as underdogs.

     

    Leading the charge was Trisha Tubu, who delivered a dominant all-around performance with 22 points built on 16 attacks, five blocks, and one ace. Her presence at the net proved crucial, particularly in key stretches where the Foxies needed to halt Creamline’s runs. Supporting her was Royse Tubino, who erupted for a conference-high 18 points, consistently providing offensive spark.

     

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    The Foxies also leaned on balanced contributions from Riri Meneses and Ces Molina, who chipped in 10 and eight points, respectively. More importantly, Farm Fresh imposed its will defensively, finishing with 14 blocks compared to Creamline’s eight—a decisive edge that underscored their growing confidence and discipline.

    Despite the strong showing, Tubu remained grounded in the postmatch press conference, emphasizing that the team’s rise has been a gradual process fueled by persistence and belief.

    “Laging nasabi ng underdog kami pero siguro po this time, papunta na po kami doon sa goal namin. Onti-onti working on it po pero kita naman po sa mga performance namin na medyo kinakapos lang, pero nandoon po ‘yung grit,” Tubu said.

     

    The victory marked Farm Fresh’s second straight win after a challenging stretch that saw them drop back-to-back five-set matches—games that exposed both their potential and their need for better closing execution. According to Tubu, those lessons are finally translating into results.

     

    “Itong mga few games namin na magkasunod na panalo, doon po nakikita ‘yung ano kulang talaga. Hindi lang ‘yung grit namin, hindi lang ‘yung push, pero ‘yung tinatapos namin ‘yung game. So, I think eto na po ‘yung era ng Farm Fresh na palaban. Hindi lang ‘yung underdog,” she added.

     

    With the win, the Foxies improved to a 4-4 record, drawing level with the Nxled Chameleons in the standings. More importantly, they now sit just one game behind both Creamline and the Akari Chargers in the race for the final two quarterfinal spots—tightening an already competitive playoff picture.

     

    As the elimination round nears its conclusion, Farm Fresh finds itself in a pivotal position. Their next assignment comes against Akari on Saturday, March 21, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, a matchup that could ultimately determine their postseason fate.

     

    Riding the momentum of a statement victory and fueled by a growing sense of identity, the Foxies are no longer just chasing respect—they are positioning themselves as a legitimate threat in the conference.

     

     

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  • Cool Smashers seek bounce-back, Foxies eye upset in tight PVL playoff race 

    Cool Smashers seek bounce-back, Foxies eye upset in tight PVL playoff race 

    For a team long accustomed to smooth paths and deep playoff runs, the Creamline Cool Smashers find themselves navigating unfamiliar territory as the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference nears the end of its preliminary phase.

     

    What once appeared to be a straightforward march into the next round has turned into a tense and complicated race, with every remaining match carrying significant implications.

     

    Creamline enters Tuesday’s clash against the surging Farm Fresh Foxies at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex needing to regain control of its campaign, knowing that another stumble could pull them deeper into a crowded battle for the final qualifying spots.

     

    The Cool Smashers were on track to secure their place early, but a four-set loss to the red-hot Akari Chargers disrupted that trajectory and dropped them to 5-2. That result not only halted their momentum but also tightened a race that now features multiple teams still in contention for the last two berths in the next phase.

     

    With the PLDT High Speed Hitters and Cignal HD Spikers already safely through, the remaining slots have become the focus of a tense scramble involving Creamline, Akari, the Nxled Chameleons, and Farm Fresh. 

     

    Nxled currently holds a 4-4 record with just one game left, while Akari sits at 4-3 amid a strong resurgence. Farm Fresh, meanwhile, remains very much alive at 3-4 with two matches to play, making its showdown with Creamline particularly critical for both sides.

     

    The possibility of a multi-team tie only adds to the pressure surrounding the Cool Smashers. Should they falter in their final assignments, including a looming match against Cignal, they risk being dragged into a tiebreak scenario that could ultimately determine who advances and who is forced into a more difficult route.

     

    That alternative path leads to the Play-In stage, where teams ranked fifth to tenth will be divided into groups and forced to fight for survival. For a franchise that has built its reputation on dominance and consistency, that scenario represents both a challenge and an unfamiliar test.

     

    Farm Fresh, however, enters the matchup with confidence and momentum after a gritty five-set victory over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans. The Foxies have shown an ability to compete under pressure and will look to capitalize on Creamline’s recent vulnerability to keep their own Top Four hopes alive.

     

    Leading the charge is Trisha Tubu, one of the conference’s most prolific scorers, supported by setter Alohi Robins-Hardy and a seasoned core that includes Ces Molina, Royse Tubino, Mylene Paat, Ara Galang, and Riri Meneses. Their depth and experience make them a dangerous opponent, especially with so much at stake.

     

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    Creamline will counter with its own championship-tested lineup, anchored by a resurgent Jema Galanza and consistent scorer Tots Carlos. Contributions from Bernadeth Pons, Michele Gumabao, Pangs Panaga, and Bea De Leon will be essential if the Cool Smashers are to steady themselves and avoid further complications heading into the final stretch.

     

    In the earlier match, the Chargers aim to sustain their remarkable turnaround when they take on the Galeries Tower Highrisers. After opening the conference with three straight losses, Akari has rediscovered its rhythm and now carries a four-game winning streak into the contest.

     

    “For us, we remain humble muna. Balik lang sa dati, balik lang ulit sa baba. Kung pagod ngayon, pahinga lang ulit, so hanap ng maayos na inspirasyon, maayos na nutrition, and recovery,” said Akari head coach Tina Salak.

     

    “Trabaho lang. Nothing new, dere-deretso lang. Kung ito yung nagwo-work sa amin, whatever works, tuloy lang. We see the light,” she added.

     

    Under Salak’s guidance, Akari has developed into a cohesive and confident unit, with Ivy Lacsina, Grethcel Soltones, and Eli Soyud providing firepower, while Fifi Sharma and Ced Domingo anchor the middle. The steady playmaking of Mars Alba and the floor defense of Justine Jazareno have further solidified their resurgence.

     

    As the preliminary round winds down, the margin between security and uncertainty continues to shrink. Creamline remains in control of its fate, but the cushion it once held has disappeared, leaving no room for complacency in a race that has become as unpredictable as it is unforgiving.

     

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  • Royse Tubino sparks Farm Fresh comeback against former team Choco Mucho

    Royse Tubino sparks Farm Fresh comeback against former team Choco Mucho

    Facing a former team can sometimes carry extra emotions, but for Royse Tubino, Tuesday night’s matchup was less about nostalgia and more about enjoying the game.


    Tubino delivered a key performance for the Farm Fresh Foxies as they pulled off a dramatic five-set victory over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

     

    The veteran winger, who joined Farm Fresh during the offseason after previously playing for the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, helped flip the script in a tense contest that stretched to the limit.

     

    Inserted into the starting lineup for Ara Galang at the beginning of the second set, the 33-year-old immediately made her presence felt. Tubino finished with 14 points and five excellent receptions, becoming one of the sparks behind the Foxies’ comeback against her former squad.

     

    Her efforts complemented the offensive push from Ces Molina, who led the team with 17 points, while Riri Meneses added 10 markers to help Farm Fresh secure the gritty win.

     

    For Tubino, the victory reflected the work the team had been putting in long before match day.

    “Pinaghirapan namin bawat training namin, bawat araw-araw na ginagawa namin ng mga coaches. Tsaka itong panalo talaga na ‘to, team effort. Tsaka hindi kami sumuko nung dulo,” the open hitter Tubino said.

     

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    Despite the storyline surrounding her reunion with Choco Mucho, Tubino made it clear she approached the match with a simple mindset—focus on her role and help her new team bounce back after a two-game skid.

     

    “Wala. Focus lang ako sa sarili ko rin this time kasi alam ko naman na si Choco Mucho ay matinding kalaban talaga. Ayun, focus lang ako sa sarili ko basta enjoy ko lang kung ano yung meron ako, kung ano yung na-ti-train namin, yun lang talaga,” said Tubino.

     

    While the match was fiercely contested on the court, the atmosphere between familiar faces remained lighthearted.

     

    Tubino shared that she exchanged playful banter with longtime teammate and fan favorite Cherry Ann Rondina, better known as Sisi, during the match—adding a friendly layer to the otherwise intense battle.

     

    “Nag-aasaran na lang kami nung sa game. Sabi ni Sisi na blockin niya daw ako, depensahan niya yung mga palo ko, pero sabi ko, ‘Sige, go.’ Yung mga asaran na Choco Mucho na, ano,” the 33-year-old said.

     

    Rondina still led the Flying Titans’ fight, finishing with 22 points, the same output posted by teammate Kat Tolentino in the loss.

     

    The win proved crucial for Farm Fresh in the standings. The Foxies improved to 3–4, keeping their Top 4 hopes alive as they now share the same record with Choco Mucho and the Nxled Chameleons in the tightly packed middle of the table.

     

     

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