Controversial spiker turns pro

Trisha Tubu, front and center of talks regarding her looks and talent during the last collegiate season, did not think twice about jumping to the pro ranks.

Despite playing just one season with Adamson University, Tubu said it was opportunity for her to help her ailing father.

The opposite spiker was formally welcomed by Premier Volleyball League newcomer Farm Fresh Friday as part of its roster for the Invitational Conference scheduled to open on Tuesday, 27 June, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

While many were surprised about Tubu leaving the Lady Falcons this early following a stellar outing in her rookie year in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85, the 22-year-old Tarlac native bared a deeper and more personal reason behind her decision.

"This decision is not about me or anyone. But this is for my father in Tarlac (who is suffering heart problem)," Tubu said.

She had led three other teammates in an exodus of Adamson players to the PVL.

Tubu signed with the Foxies coached by erstwhile Adamson mentor Jerry Yee who was released just a month after steering the squad to a third-place finish that ended a nine-year Final Four drought.

"He needs a pacemaker after going through a lot of operations after suffering a stroke," the lefty power-hitter said.

Tubu added that she needs to earn money to attend to the needs of her father and she would only be able to do that by going pro.

"I just need a big amount of money. He has sacrificed a lot for me in the past and now is my time to give back," she said.

"I don't want to get to the point where it's already too late to do that."

Tubu emerged as Adamson's leading scorer last season averaging 14.5 points per game and ranked 14th in the Most Valuable Player race.

Also joining Tubu in Farm Fresh are former Lady Falcons like winger Kate Santiago, middle Aprylle Tagsip and libero Cae Lazo.

The Foxies also parade the core of back-to-back National Collegiate Athletic Association of the Philippines champion College of Saint Benilde led by Gayle Pascual, Jade Gentapa and setter Cloanne Mondonedo along with former Ateneo de Manila University middle blockers Joan Narit and Pia Ildefonso.

Farm Fresh is in Pool B with Choco Mucho, Cignal, F2 Logistics, returning Foton and Petro Gazz.

The Foxies open their campaign against the Cargo Movers on Tuesday.