Farm Fresh kept its quarterfinal hopes alive with a crucial 3-0 victory over Capital1 on Thursday, halting the latter’s impressive three-game winning streak via a 25-17, 25-23, 25-20 victory in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena.
In a notable individual battle, Yeny Murillo outshone Marina Tushova despite scoring 15 points, including 13 from attacks, as her efforts were well-supported by Trisha Tubu, who added 12 points, all from attacks, and by Caitlin Viray and Rizza Cruz, who both contributed nine points.
The team’s cohesive performance was key as they aim to break into the quarterfinals by overcoming the Solar Spikers in just one hour and 35 minutes.
Farm Fresh had previously been on the back foot after two consecutive losses, but Japanese coach Shota Sato expressed confidence in his team.
“Our level of play is there despite the setbacks,” said Sato through an interpreter. “I trust our players, and we’ll make the necessary adjustments in training.”
The Foxies, who grabbed the No. 8 spot from the Choco Mucho Flying Titans (2-4) with a 3-4 slate, will next face the unbeaten Akari Chargers on Tuesday, while the Solar Spikers, who fell to a 4-3 record and dropped to sixth place, will try to rebound against the winless Galeries Tower Highrisers.
Despite Tushova setting a conference-high with 49 points against the Nxled Chameleons last weekend, Farm Fresh managed to limit her to 18 points.
That enabled the Foxies to excel in spikes, 44-39. Farm Fresh also matched its opponent’s five blocks, and the Foxies capitalized on the Solar Spikers’ weak service reception with four aces to just one for Capital1.
Farm Fresh also took advantage of Capital1’s erratic play, scoring 23 points off their rivals’ unforced errors, while limiting their own to 16.
Defensive standout Janel Delerio led with 22 digs, supported by Viray’s nine, helping Farm Fresh achieve a total of 63 digs, almost doubling Capital1’s 35.
Both Delerio and Murillo finished with nine excellent receptions, though Tushova led with 17.
In the setting duel, Louie Romero edged out Iris Tolenada, 16-13.
