By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Farm Fresh recovered from the fierce challenge of Petro Gazz in the last two sets to prevail, 25-21, 25-22, 21-25, 28-26, and secure a quarterfinal berth in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
As expected, the Foxies drew strength from Helene Rousseaux, who delivered another monster performance with 31 points built on 27 kills and three blocks in steering the team to their second straight victory and fifth win in six outings.
With the triumph, Farm Fresh joined early quarterfinalists ZUS Coffee (6-0) and PLDT (5-1).
Foxies head coach Alessandro Lodi acknowledged the depth and experience of Petro Gazz especially with import Lindsey Vander Weide adding firepower to the Angels’ lineup, but he remained confident in his squad’s resolve.
“I may sound like a broken record here, but my team is gritty. They never give up,” said Lodi.
“We knew those guys have weapons. They have scorers and experienced players, but my players are ready,” he added.
True enough, the Foxies bounced back from a third-set stumble, where the Angels toughened up on defense behind Brooke Van Sickle and Myla Pablo. Farm Fresh needed three match-point opportunities in the fourth set before Rousseaux hammered down back-to-back kills to seal the victory.
Trisha Tubu also stepped up for Farm Fresh with 14 points including two crucial attacks in that fourth-set extension, while Ces Molina chipped in 10 points.
Vander Weide and Van Sickle both scored 16 points for Petro Gazz, but their efforts came up short as they absorbed their second straight defeat for 3-3.
MJ Phillips and Ranya Musa also added 13 and 10 points, respectively, all of which went down the drain.
