MANILA, Philippines — Maicah Larroza and Pierre Abellana vow to give Farm Fresh a fresh start and guarantee a glowing finish when the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference unwraps Tuesday (July 16) at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Despite their challenges, the Foxies remain optimistic about their chances, bolstered by the arrival of these two young opposite spikers.

The Foxies finished third-to-last with a 3-8 record in the recent All-Filipino Conference, yet they demonstrated significant potential. They managed standout performances, including a straight-set victory over the fancied Chery Tiggo side, stealing a set from eventual champion Creamline Cool Smashers, and dragging finalist Choco Mucho Flying Titans into a five-set duel.

Now, with Larroza and Abellana backstopping the team and transitioning fully to a Japanese coaching staff, Farm Fresh is eager to showcase its worth.

Larroza was the first surprise in the recent inaugural PVL Draft, selected fourth overall by the Foxies after the first three picks went as expected. A super-substitute for De La Salle University, she is expected to make an immediate impact in the pros with her versatility and high leaping abilities.

"Nao-overwhelm ako ngayon and I did not expect to be picked by Farm Fresh. But of course, I am very excited and I am looking forward to work with my future coaches and teammates," said the 5-foot-3 Larroza.

"With a Japanese coach and Farm Fresh being a young and emerging team, I am very excited na i-share yung skills ko sa kanila and I'm also excited na matuto ng mga bago sa Japanese coach and sa system ng Farm Fresh," added the outside hitter, who also excels as a libero.

Abellana, like Larroza, is eager to unleash her full potential in the country's premier league, organized by Sports Vision, after seeing limited minutes in her collegiate career with UST.

The Cebuana pride wowed during the two-day Draft Combine, making it to the top five in drills and impressing in the scrimmages. She was selected 16th overall by Farm Fresh.

Abellana was shocked when her name was called by the Foxies, considering she hadn't had a workout with them before draft day.

"Actually, hindi ko po in-expect na makukuha ako ng Farm Fresh. During po noong time na nag-training kami hindi rin po ako nakasali doon, so super unexpected and thankful. Kahit hindi po nila ako nakita or nakasama mag-training nandoon 'yung trust nila sa akin," said Abellana.

Joining a talented group of outside spikers in the Foxies' roster, including Kate Santiago, Chinnie Arroyo, Pia Ildefonso and Alyssa Bertolano, Abellana seeks to prove herself worthy of floor minutes for the Shota Sato-mentored team.

Farm Fresh kicks off its campaign on opening day, facing Chery Tiggo at 4 p.m.

"Super motivated, and I have to be super motivated, kasi in order for me to play with the Foxies... hindi naman po agad ganoon mabibigay 'yung playing time ko, sa ayun kailangan ko magsipag," said Abellana on her mindset.

With Larroza and Abellana in the roster and a strong coaching team, Farm Fresh is poised for a competitive season, ready to surprise and excel in the mid-season conference. TMT