Filipino-American setter Alohi Robins-Hardy had mixed feelings after finally making her much-awaited debut for Farm Fresh in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
After months of waiting for an opportunity to showcase her talent on local soil again after half a decade, the veteran playmaker officially suited up for the Foxies last Tuesday.
Although her first game in the professional ranks may not have been the ideal start she wanted, she was relieved to be able to experience competitive volleyball once again.
“It’s bittersweet,” the third overall pick in the last Draft said following the Foxies’ 18-25, 21-25, 26-28 opening day loss to PLDT in Pool A of the PVL on Tour at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
“First game out there, finally my work is showing. And for our team as well. I’m proud of our girls. We’re really trusting the process. It’s a relief, honestly. It’s been way too long.”
The 6-foot-2 setter was tapped by the Frank Lao-owned franchise as early as October last year in hopes of making the experienced internationalist a direct hire.
However, league rules deemed Robins-Hardy ineligible as players who have not played in the PVL since turning pro in 2021 must undergo the Draft process. Farm Fresh still signed her as part of its coaching staff while waiting for the 2025 Draft.
Robins-Hardy released a controversial statement a few days before the draft, threatening to leave the country as she only wants to play for the Foxies.
“You know, like I said, it’s bittersweet. Finally, being on the court. Coaching sometimes sucks. From outside, you want to get in there, especially for me, since I’m still able to play,” she said.
“Last year was tough, but it’s great, honestly. It’s amazing.”
Robins-Hardy came off the bench for the debuting Italian head coach Alessandro Lodi-mentored squad and finished with three points.
She pushed Farm Fresh at set point in the extended third frame, 26-25, off a kill block and a heady 1-2 play, only for the High Speed Hitters to spoil the comeback with a closing 3-0 counter.
Despite the loss, Robins-Hardy, who last played locally for Cignal in the defunct Philippine Superliga in 2020, was ecstatic on her return.
“It’s awesome. I mean, it’s been a while, obviously. The last time I actually played in a game was back in 2019, 2020 maybe, I think. And it feels good,” she said.
“I mean, there’s a lot of fans. Obviously, not for our game (but for the Creamline-Cignal match), but it feels good. The fan base is always super supportive, always loud, so it’s nice.”
Still, Robins-Hardy felt that she still needed to adjust and get back into her competitive form to contribute more for the squad.
“I’m not super satisfied, but I know I can play. I can move well. And I think that comes with my experience. So, I think coaching is really helping with that too, in my system,” Robins-Hardy said.