“We must make a new history”: Koji Tsuzurabara leads Farm Fresh to PVL semifinals for the first time

The Farm Fresh Foxies made history on Tuesday, April 7, as they punched their ticket to the semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) for the very first time, following a dominant 25-17, 25-20, 25-19 victory over the Nxled Chameleons at the FilOil Centre. The landmark win marks a defining moment for the Foxies, a team that has steadily grown in competitiveness under the guidance of its new leadership.

It was a balanced and disciplined effort from Farm Fresh, with Trisha Tubu leading the scoring charge with 12 points. She received ample support from Ces Molina, who contributed 10 points, while Ara Galang added nine. Complementing the attack were Riri Meneses and Royse Tubino, who chipped in seven and five points, respectively. The collective output underscored the Foxies’ cohesion and adaptability on the court, traits that have become more evident under the guidance of head coach Koji Tsuzurabara.

Tsuzurabara, a Japanese tactician with a proven pedigree, previously led the Petro Gazz Angels to the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference championship. During his tenure with Petro Gazz, he successfully managed high-caliber players, including Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips, Myla Pablo, Jules Tolentino, Bang Pineda, Djanel Cheng, and Ranya Musa, among others. Interestingly, many of the core players for Nxled were former Petro Gazz members, who were recruited by the Chameleons after the Angels disbanded.

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Despite his familiarity with both squads, Tsuzurabara remained humble in the post-match press conference and refrained from commenting on whether it gave his team a competitive edge. Instead, he focused on instilling a winning mindset and guiding Farm Fresh toward sustained success.

WATCH: Farm Fresh head coach Koji Tsuzurabara, players Alohi Robins-Hardy and Ann Monares reflect on making quick work of Nxled to claim a spot in the Final Four, joining Cignal and PLDT. #PVL2026 | via @kennedyzcaacbay pic.twitter.com/B0bqWdWKLW

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) April 7, 2026

“No comment. My coaching started in January. Always, I said to the players, change your mind, change your heart. Little bit, step by step, they have changed their mind. Good game,” Tsuzurabara said.

He further emphasized the Foxies’ status as underdogs and their drive to make a historic breakthrough.

“But we do our best, just best game. Because we are challenger. We are challenger. Other teams, example, Creamline, PLDT, other teams, always A-rank. Farm Fresh before A-B, C-rank team. We are a challenger. That’s it. I want to make, we must make a new history of Farm Fresh,” he added.

Tubu, the night’s standout performer, echoed the coach’s philosophy, noting that Tsuzurabara has helped unlock new potential within the squad.

“It’s true we’re considered challengers and it’s a challenge for us. How long are we going to stay challengers? Each of us approaches every game knowing we have to work hard for every point. Like coach says, don’t think about winning—focus on how you win each point. And he always reminds us that our real opponent isn’t the team on the other side, but ourselves. If you beat yourself, you win the game,” Tubu said.

With the historic victory, Farm Fresh now prepares to face the formidable Cignal Super Spikers in the first semifinal matchup on Saturday, April 11, at the Mall of Asia Arena. The second semifinal will feature the perennial powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers against the PLDT High Speed Hitters later that day.

Farm Fresh’s remarkable run this season highlights the team’s evolution under Tsuzurabara, with players demonstrating resilience, tactical discipline, and a relentless work ethic. As the Foxies aim to continue their historic journey in the PVL semifinals, their combination of emerging talent and strategic coaching promises to make them a team to watch in Philippine volleyball.

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