Tubu Leads Foxies to Crucial Win Over High Speed Hitters, Keeping Finals Dream Alive

Farm Fresh kept their semifinal hopes alive with a dramatic 25-23, 18-25, 25-19, 25-23 victory over PLDT in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference round-robin semifinals on Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Under intense pressure and facing elimination, the Foxies showed great resilience in the fourth set after trailing 18-22. Trisha Tubu took control, sparking a pivotal 7-0 run that turned the match around, tying their semifinal record at 1-1 and keeping their Finals aspirations intact.

The four-time Best Opposite Spiker made up for a quieter performance in the previous game, delivering a stunning 28 points—26 from attacks, two from blocks—along with eight excellent digs to lead her team when it mattered most.

"At the critical moment, especially at the end of the game, I’m so thankful to the coaches and my teammates. The trust they gave me, no matter what happened, they never abandoned me. This win was a total team effort—super," said Tubu.

With PLDT on the brink of sending the match to a fifth set, Farm Fresh mounted a decisive 7-0 run, turning an 18-22 deficit into a 24-22 lead. PLDT briefly pushed the set further with a down-the-line hit from Alleiah Malaluan, but Tubu sealed the deal with a cross-court kill to complete the comeback, giving Farm Fresh their first-ever franchise win over the High Speed Hitters.

"Thank you so much for this fantastic game. Before the match, I told the players, 'We are challengers,'" said Foxies head coach Koji Tsuzurabara.

In addition to Tubu's brilliance, Ces Molina contributed 12 points and nine excellent receptions, while Royse Tubino added 10 points from the bench, all from attacks, and contributed 15 excellent receptions. Ara Galang pitched in with seven points, and Riri Meneses and Mylene Paat each added five.

Alohi Robins-Hardy set up the offense with 20 excellent sets and two points, while Maicah Larroza and Bia General were key defensively with 12 excellent digs and 18 excellent receptions, respectively.

PLDT, who finished the elimination round atop the standings, now faces a critical situation, falling to 0-2 in the semifinals.

Kianna Dy led PLDT with 20 points, while Savannah Davison added 18 points and 13 excellent receptions. Alleiah Malaluan scored 17 points and had 14 excellent digs.

Kim Fajardo recorded 27 excellent sets, while Kath Arado anchored the defense with 19 excellent digs and 18 excellent receptions.

PLDT’s next match against Cignal on Thursday now carries immense significance as they look to avoid elimination.