By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Farm Fresh Foxies continued their strong start in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference, outlasting the Capital1 Solar Spikers, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 25-22, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday, October 21.
While import Helene Rosseaux led the scoring with 36 points, it was Negrense libero Alyssa Bertolano’s defensive brilliance that proved crucial in keeping the Foxies perfect at 3-0 in Pool A — their best start in franchise history.
Bertolano anchored the team’s floor defense with a stellar double-double of 20 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions, repeatedly neutralizing Capital1’s heavy hitters, Oleksandra Bytsenko and Mhicaela Belen.
“We are a team that fights, we are a team that never gives up. We knew that it would be a tough game absolutely, we were prepared for it. Belen and Bytsenko are two great scorers, and we knew that,” Farm Fresh head coach Alessandro Lodi said.
Setter Alohi Robins-Hardy, who was named Player of the Game, finished with 21 excellent sets and nine points while steering the Foxies’ offense.
“I’m super proud of the team with the progress we made just the last conference. I’m super proud of how we are fighting and continuing to learn and grow our own name,” Robins-Hardy said.
Rosseaux, the Belgian reinforcement, once again showed her scoring prowess with 36 points built on a mix of powerful spikes and steady blocking.
Frances Xinia Molina and Trisha Tubu chipped in 13 points each in the victory.
On the other side, Bytsenko led Capital1 with 26 points, while Belen contributed 17 points and 19 excellent digs in a spirited performance despite the loss.
Meanwhile, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans bounced back in style with a 25-23, 25-19, 25-22 sweep of the Nxled Chameleons.
Marlee Smith shone for Choco Mucho with 20 points off 18 attacks and two blocks.
“I think we all contributed and did our job. We worked hard every day in practice, and I think it showed in our game. Win or lose, we are there together. I am just doing my best for the team,” Smith said.
“I think you just have to be resilient. It’s not gonna be what you expect every time. As long as you allow yourself to be with the team, it should be good. You will get good results,” she added./ASC, WDJ