Superb showing: Foxies turn back Solar Spikers behind Tubu

Farm Fresh battled its way back from a third set collapse to foil Capital1’s attempt to score an upset in a 20-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-12, 15-10, marathon victory in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour Showdown on Saturday at Victorias City Coliseum in Negros Occidental.

Fueled by a strong fourth-set comeback, the Foxies carried the momentum into the deciding frame and ignited a decisive 8-3 run after a tight start on their way to back-to-back wins.

Farm Fresh closed its campaign in the province-hopping, pre-season tournament with a 2-1 win-loss record.

Ara Galang displayed vintage form and took advantage of her longer playing time to finish with 14 points in an efficient display of her scoring prowess.

The De La Salle University product had eight attacks, three aces and three kill blocks while chipping in on defense with eight digs.

“My mindset is to contribute to the team and win. I want to do my best and whatever I can contribute to make a positive impact on the court. I’m just thankful I performed well, and we won,” said Galang, who just a week ago scored only one point in a two-set appearance as a reliever in the Foxies’ straight-sets humbling of Nxled in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

Reigning Season Most Valuable Player Trisha Tubu flexed her firepower with 24 points — 21 coming off kills, including the match-clinching hit to lead Farm Fresh.

Veteran Ces Molina had a triple-double of 16 points, 17 excellent receptions and 11 digs while Mylene Paat-Rezanova came off the bench and fired nine points for the Foxies, who landed eight aces and scored 11 kill blocks.

Farm Fresh’s triumph also boosted the team’s morale heading into the season-opening Invitational Conference slated to begin on 31 August.

“Coach (Koji Tsuzurabara) reminded us before warm-up that he wants to go home with a win. He wants us to win our last game so that we’ll march into the Invitationals with confidence,” Molina said.

The Foxies shattered a 3-3 tie early in the fifth frame with a scorching blitz capped by a Pierre Abellana ace for an 11-6 advantage.

Molina put Farm Fresh at match point, 14-9, before the Solar Spikers won a block touch challenge off Ysa Jimenez’s hit to save a point.

Tubu quickly answered with the game-winner to end the thrilling two-hour, 28-minute encounter.

The Foxies squandered an 18-15 advantage in the third set as Capital1 mounted a 7-0 counterattack to take a 22-18 advantage.

Farm Fresh tried to salvage the frame by saving three set points, but rookie Khy Cepada put the frame away with a booming hit.

The Foxies were in full control in the fourth set, racing to a 16-6 lead to take the fight out of the Solar Spikers.

Capital1 ended its run winless in two games in a campaign sans main hitters Bella Belen, Erika Santos and Vanie Gandler due to national team duties.

Shaya Adorador scored all of her 14 points on spikes and added nine excellent receptions for the Solar Spikers. Jimenez finished with 13 points, Chery Nunag had 11 points and Cepada added nine in a lost cause.