The Farm Fresh Foxies made a strong opening statement in the 2026 PVL Invitational Conference, holding off Ho Chi Minh City in four sets, 25‑14, 25‑15, 26‑28, 25‑20, on Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Foxies looked firmly in control after taking the opening two sets, but the Vietnamese side refused to go down quietly, stealing the third set in an extended finish to keep the match alive.
Farm Fresh Fights Off Guests
Farm Fresh appeared to have regained control in the fourth, racing to a 19‑10 advantage. Ho Chi Minh City, however, mounted another late push behind captain Dang Thi Kim Thanh and Nguyen Thi Nha Phuong.
The visitors trimmed the deficit to three, 20‑23, but the Foxies held their nerve. Jonna Perdido and Trisha Tubu delivered back‑to‑back attacks to finally put the match away after one hour and 50 minutes.
Explosive Performances Carry Foxies
Tubu led Farm Fresh’s offense with 25 points and six digs, while Perdido made an impressive PVL debut with 17 points and 16 excellent receptions.
Ces Molina and Riri Meneses also chipped in 12 points apiece as the Foxies joined Creamline and defending champion PLDT as the tournament’s early winners.
Farm Fresh head coach Koji Tsuzurabara praised Ho Chi Minh City’s system, which he had previously seen during the Foxies’ stint in Taiwan.
“Today’s game was fantastic. I appreciate the Ho Chi Minh team. We already saw this Ho Chi Minh team last month when we participated in the Taiwan games. They have a high‑level and good system from their junior to senior team. Their system should be learned by Philippine volleyball,” said Tsuzurabara.
Ho Chi Minh City showed its resilience throughout the match, particularly in the third and fourth sets. Nha Phuong led the visitors with 13 points, 13 receptions, and 17 digs, while Thanh and Dao Thi Nhung added 12 points each.
What’s Next
The Foxies will look to build on their winning start when they face Thailand’s EST Cola on Tuesday at 4 p.m.
Ho Chi Minh City, meanwhile, will try to bounce back against Creamline at 6:30 p.m.
