Jolina Dela Cruz stars in comeback game, steers Farm Fresh to sweep of Nxled

Jolina Dela Cruz made a triumphant return from injury, propelling Farm Fresh to a dominant 25-22, 26-24, 25-21 win over Nxled in the resumption of the PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena. 

Dela Cruz, who suffered an ACL injury and underwent a knee surgery exactly a year and a day ago, shone with a team-high 20 points anchored on 18 attacks and two service aces alongside five digs and five receptions as the Foxies kicked off their 2025 the right way and improved to 3-3. 

The Chameleons, meanwhile, remained winless at 0-6. 

Dela Cruz took charge late in the third period after unleashing four straight points that turned a slim 16-15 lead to a 21-17 cushion for the Foxies. 

The former La Salle standout then caught the line on her attack from the left wing to bring her side to a 22-18 lead as an attack error from Chiara Permentilla allowed Farm Fresh to take a 23-18 advantage. 

Pierre Abellana then pushed the ball for the match point before Caitlin Viray unloaded a backrow attack to finish it off for the wards of coach Benson Bocboc. 

Trisha Tubu provided the support to Dela Cruz, finishing with 14 points while debuting middle blocker Lorene Toring, who also had an injury in the past, tallied three points in a starter role. 

"Masaya. Nakaka-miss talaga maramdaman ulit 'yung pressure. Privilege siya. Thank you rin kay coach Boc na binigyan niya kami ni Lorene na makapaglaro ulit and masama sa starters," Dela Cruz said. 

"'Yung surgery ko January 17 tapos 18 ngayon so sobrang sakto niya. Ang priority ko ngayon is maging healthy at laging makasama sa training and sana present ako lagi sa game."

—JKC, GMA Integrated News