MANILA, Philippines – Jolina Dela Cruz and Lorene Toring returned to the volleyball court in a match that was as much about redemption as it was about competition. 

The Farm Fresh Foxies’ 25-22, 26-24, 25-21 victory over Nxled in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference was not merely another victory; it was a celebration.

The Philsports Arena was associated with melancholy memories for Jolina Dela Cruz. 

This is where the former La Salle standout ruptured her ACL during a match while playing for F2 Logistics more than a year ago.

She returned to the same court on Saturday, this time donning Farm Fresh colors, and delivered an exceptional performance.

Dela Cruz demonstrated no indications of her traumatic past, as she scored a game-high 20 points from 18 attacks and two blocks. 

Her defense was equally impressive, as she made five exceptional receptions and five interceptions. However, the path to this triumphant occasion was not without its obstacles.

Dela Cruz contemplated the mental obstacles she encountered upon her return to the court, admitting that her thoughts were preoccupied with prayer upon her initial arrival in the arena. An injury she had previously sustained at the Philsports complex had left her grappling with dread as she prepared to play again. Nevertheless, she was able to progressively overcome that fear and regain confidence in her abilities over time.

In January 2024, the 5-foot-9 outside hitter underwent surgery that necessitated a substantial recovery period. During the previous year, Dela Cruz utilized the opportunity to study the game from the sidelines and recuperate physically. She was able to develop a more profound comprehension of volleyball during this reflective period, as both a player and a student of the sport.

She stated that this period of inactivity was a valuable learning experience, particularly because she and her teammate Lorene capitalized on the opportunity to enhance their understanding of the game. Dela Cruz expressed optimism that they would continue to enhance their abilities and potentially conquer certain aspects of the sport that could further enhance their performances. Despite the challenges she faced, the experience ultimately facilitated her personal development, enabling her to return to her previous level of strength and knowledge.

Saturday was not only a return for Lorene Toring, but also a new beginning. 

The 5-foot-11 middle blocker made her long-awaited professional debut after an ACL injury curtailed her collegiate career with Adamson University. 

Toring’s final playing year was prematurely terminated by an injury that transpired during training prior to the commencement of UAAP Season 86.

Toring demonstrated her potential by contributing three points to Farm Fresh’s demolition of Nxled, despite her prolonged absence.

Toring acknowledged that she experienced anxiety at the commencement of the game; however, her confidence increased as the match progressed and the team progressively established its rhythm. As the team’s performance improved, the nerves she initially experienced were replaced with a sense of steadiness, enabling them to regain control and rhythm in the game.

Toring experienced a unique moment upon joining Farm Fresh, as it reunited her with several of her former Adamson teammates, including Louie Romero, Trisha Tubu, Aprylle Tagsip, and Rizza Cruz.

Toring expressed her joy at the prospect of performing alongside her old friends once more, stating that she had been anticipating this moment for an extended period of time. The return to the game was made even more fulfilling by the emotional connection she formed with her former teammates and the opportunity to play together once more, which added a layer of enthusiasm and motivation to her performance.

Gratitude was expressed by both Dela Cruz and Toring for the chance to be a part of the youthful Farm Fresh team. 

Dela Cruz described the experience of duress as a privilege, describing it as both nostalgic and joyful. She expressed her gratitude to Coach Boc for providing the team with the chance to confront such challenges, valuing the opportunity to return to high-pressure situations and contribute to the team’s success.

As they progress, the two players intend to leverage the knowledge acquired from their individual experiences to assist the Foxies in establishing momentum within the All-Filipino Conference.