Farm Fresh sweeps Ho Chi Minh, finishes fifth in PVL

Farm Fresh secured fifth place in the PVL Invitational after sweeping Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City side, 25-10, 25-15, 25-15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday.

The Foxies finished their campaign with two victories, both against the Vietnamese team, following a four-set win in their first meeting last Aug. 31.

Farm Fresh took control early in the opening set, turning a slim 9-8 advantage into a commanding 19-9 lead with a 10-1 run.

Trisha Tubu powered the opening surge, scoring 10 of her 14 points in the first set as the Foxies established the pace for the match.

Farm Fresh sustained its dominance over the next two sets to complete the sweep in 67 minutes.

Ces Molina matched Tubu’s 14-point output and contributed eight excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.

Jonna Perdido added 13 points, while Riri Meneses finished with 11.

Setter Alohi Robins-Hardy directed the offense with 12 excellent sets and scored two points.

Buding Duremdes led the defensive effort with 12 excellent digs.

Despite the convincing finish, Farm Fresh head coach Koji Tsuzurabara said his team needed to adapt to changes in the league’s style of play.

“I appreciate the Ho Chi Minh team. This tournament, my team saw no good result. First, I think [we need to] change the volleyball style. After the last PVL conference with imports, all teams made a difference in team style,” said Tsuzurabara.

Tsuzurabara previously guided the now-disbanded Petro Gazz Angels to the 2024–25 PVL All-Filipino title.

“Last year’s PVL volleyball and this year’s PVL volleyball style are different,” he added. “So, we need more practice, and we need to react to the new volleyball. We have to look for a new style. One year ago versus now– it’s a big difference.”