Thai squad EST Cola quickly put its opening‑day defeat behind it, turning in a strong all‑around performance to sweep the Farm Fresh Foxies, 25‑21, 25‑16, 25‑22, in the 2026 PVL Invitational Conference on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Thai side, which fell to defending champion PLDT High Speed Hitters in four sets a day earlier, controlled the match from the opening exchanges and never allowed the Foxies to build enough momentum for a comeback.
The result gave EST Cola its first win of the tournament and moved the Thai squad into a four‑way tie at 1‑1 with Farm Fresh, Nxled, and PLDT.
EST Cola’s Bounces Back With Efficienct Showing
A major factor in EST Cola’s turnaround was its efficiency across the board. The Thais finished ahead of Farm Fresh in attacks, 41‑34; blocks, 8‑4; and service aces, 5‑4.
Seventeen‑year‑old setter Natnicha Saelao also played a key role in keeping EST Cola’s offense organized. She finished with 22 excellent sets and seven points, including four kill blocks, earning Player of the Game honors.
“Today, we are so happy because of our teamwork, and I helped in everything. I was so excited for today and a bit pressured,” Saelao said.
“Thank you for the experience today. Thank you to the fans in the Philippines for coming here. Thank you for everything, Philippines. Yeah, thank you a lot,” she added.
Stepping Up When It Matters
With captain Hantima Aekpatcha unavailable after suffering a right ankle injury in EST Cola’s opening game, Papatchaya Phontham stepped up as the team’s top scorer with 17 points on 13 attacks, 3 aces, and 1 block.
Nirarach Srikuta and Nannaphat Moonjakham contributed 7 points apiece, with Srikuta adding 9 excellent receptions and Moonjakham 9 excellent digs. Libero Jiratcha Naoprachun also anchored the floor defense with 11 excellent digs and 7 excellent receptions.
Farm Fresh struggled to replicate its winning performance against Ho Chi Minh City in the tournament opener, with Trisha Tubu emerging as the Foxies’ lone double‑digit scorer with 15 points, all from attacks.
The loss dropped Farm Fresh to 1‑1, leaving the Foxies level with three other teams in the standings.
What’s Next
EST Cola will try to build on its first victory when it takes on Nxled on Thursday, September 3, at 6:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Farm Fresh faces a much tougher test earlier that day, battling unbeaten Creamline at 1:30 p.m.
