MANILA, Philippines – Watching her former partner Jolina Dela Cruz return to the court following a torturous recuperation process left Ara Galang feeling a range of emotions. 

Previously, the two were on the same floor as their F2 Logistics teammates, but on Saturday, they were on opposing teams as Galang’s Chery Tiggo Crossovers took against Dela Cruz’s Farm Fresh Foxies.

Even though Dela Cruz’s ACL tear was still fresh in her memory, her perseverance and resolve to get back into the sport were nothing short of inspirational. It had been months since the injury. In addition to her team’s triumph, which saw the Crossovers defeat the Foxies in four sets (21-25, 25-14, 25-17, and 25-20), Galang was proud of her old teammate’s incredible development.

Dela Cruz was only beginning his journey to recovery when the F2 Logistics squad disbanded following the 2023 PVL Second All-Filipino Conference. Farm Fresh gambled on the seasoned outside hitter despite the difficult task of recuperating from a severe injury. When it was revealed that Dela Cruz would be joining the Foxies, Galang, who had gone through her own recuperation from an ACL tear, was among the first to give words of encouragement.

“Jols, congratulations! Lalo, pagusayan mo pa. Malayo at marami pa ang tatahakin mo, but ka muna ng husto ka pahayo. Galang had messaged her, “See you on the other side of the court.” The sincere letter captured their relationship, which was developed in the midst of rivalry, and their connection both on and off the court.

On Saturday, Galang could feel the emotion as he glanced across the court. Once inseparable on F2 Logistics, the two former teammates now faced off against each other in the PVL. With 20 points at the end of the game (15 attacks, 4 blocks, and an ace), Galang was unstoppable and helped Chery Tiggo win. In contrast, Dela Cruz, who is still recovering from her injury, scored seven points in just her second game back.

The two maintained an unflinching respect for one another in spite of their intense rivalry. Galang praised Dela Cruz’s tenacity, saying she was astonished by her former teammate’s recuperation and the fortitude required to overcome such a severe injury.

“Nakaka-proud.” Unfortunately, I am not able to play the game that is the comeback game. But I’m not happy with the outcome. Wow, sabi ko. Grabe rin siya, sabi ko. Miss na miss niya, sabi ko. But siya yun huh,” Galang thought.

“Props sa tinrabaho niya all year or all the months na nag-rehab siya, nag-recover siya physically, mentally,” she elaborated.

The return of Dela Cruz was nothing short of spectacular. When she made her comeback, she defeated Nxled by scoring an incredible 20 points in just three sets. With an 18-of-35 attacking clip, two serve aces, five digs, and five receptions, her effectiveness was clear. Everyone, even her former coach and colleagues, was buzzing about her performance.

Seeing Dela Cruz’s amazing journey served as a reminder to Galang of the dedication and tenacity that characterize a real champion.

When Aby Maraño thought back on Dela Cruz’s return to the court, he was proud. She recalls being unable to witness Dela Cruz’s comeback game in real time, but she was astounded by the outcome. Maraño mentioned how much Dela Cruz missed playing and how her perseverance and hard work were evident.

Maraño praised Dela Cruz’s commitment to her physical and mental recuperation and rehabilitation.

The way Dela Cruz returned was very amazing. With two service aces, five digs, five receptions, and an 18-of-35 attacking efficiency, she scored an outstanding 20 points in just three sets against Nxled. Both her previous coach and her teammates praised her exceptional performance.

Dela Cruz’s journey, in Maraño’s opinion, is proof of the diligence and tenacity that characterize a real champion. She emphasized the difficulties Dela Cruz overcame and acknowledged the work that went into what seemed smooth on the court. Maraño, who was incredibly proud of her accomplishments and fortitude, urged her to keep going.

Dela Cruz’s return is not only a personal triumph but also a moment that many others enjoy because of her inspirational performance, which serves as a reminder of the commitment needed to succeed.