Foxies dominate Solar Spikers to clinch quarterfinal spot

Games on Tuesday
(Philsports Arena)
4 p.m. – Petro Gazz vs. Akari
6:30 p.m. – ZUS Coffee vs. Choco Mucho

Not leaving anything to chance, Farm Fresh unleashed its full arsenal to dismantle Capital1 in straight sets — 25-20, 25-15, 25-21 — and clinch a quarterfinal berth in the PVL On Tour at the newly built Dasmariñas Arena in Cavite on Saturday.

With everything on the line in a knockout scenario, the Foxies turned up the heat, showcasing their improved chemistry, sharp execution, and balanced firepower.

They outgunned the Solar Spikers in attacks (42-25), controlled the net with a 13-4 advantage in blocks, and out-served their rivals with eight aces to two.

Despite committing 25 unforced errors — 13 more than Capital1 — Farm Fresh’s overwhelming edge in major statistical categories underscored their all-around dominance and growing title credentials.

Alohi Robins-Hardy tallied 15 excellent sets and added five points to earn Best Player of the Game honors.

But the third overall pick in the recent rookie draft was quick to credit her teammates.

“It’s just about my teammates,” Robins-Hardy said.

“I have confidence in them, and I always try my best to give them a good ball — and they do what they do best: score points.”

Farm Fresh, which finished third in Pool A, joined early quarterfinalists PLDT, Cignal, Nxled, and Creamline.

Six teams remain in contention for the three remaining spots in other knockout matches.

Meanwhile, Capital1 bowed out winless in five Pool B matches in this pre-season tournament organized by Sports Vision.

Despite squandering a 16-10 lead in the third set and falling behind four times — the last at 20-19 — the Foxies stayed composed, responding with timely side-outs to halt the Solar Spikers’ momentum.

Lorene Toring tied the score at 20 with a quick hit before Trisha Tubu delivered her fourth block to give Farm Fresh the lead for good.

Jolina dela Cruz followed with another block, while Tubu and Toring answered Sydney Niegos’ point with a hit and an ace, respectively.

Dela Cruz sealed the one-hour, 24-minute match with a powerful kill that deflected off Niegos and bounced out of bounds.

Through Capital1’s late push in the third, it was Robins-Hardy who kept the Foxies grounded and focused.

“I always try to stay calm,” she said.

And calm they stayed — weathering the Solar Spikers’ last-ditch rally to cap a dominant performance.

Tubu topscored with 15 points.

Caitlin Viray and Toring added 11 each, dela Cruz contributed 10, and Rizza Cruz chipped in nine.

Dela Cruz and Viray also impressed on defense with six excellent digs and nine receptions, respectively, behind libero Ann Monares’ 14 digs and nine receptions.

Capital1 struggled offensively throughout, with KC Galdones leading the team with just seven points.

Trisha Genesis and Pia Abbu had six points apiece, while Niegos added five and Shola Alvarez was limited to three.

From the opening serve, Farm Fresh set the tone with relentless offense anchored on precision setting and crisp ball movement.

Scoring came from all angles, led by Tubu, Cruz, and Toring, who repeatedly pierced through Capital1’s porous defense.

The Foxies’ varied attack patterns kept the Solar Spikers off balance and unable to establish a defensive rhythm.

Viray and dela Cruz also stepped up at crucial moments, helping distribute the scoring load.

While the offense provided fireworks, Farm Fresh’s defense was just as imposing.

Their net coverage and floor defense frustrated Capital1’s hitters and extended rallies they often won.

Tubu’s key block midway through the first set gave the Foxies a 16-10 cushion and set the defensive tone.

Farm Fresh consistently won long rallies with clutch digs and block touches that blunted Capital1’s momentum.

Even when Capital1 mounted brief surges, the Foxies responded with composure — delivering timely blocks, smart plays, and crucial kills to seal the win.