Jolina Dela Cruz embraces Alessandro Lodi’s strict coaching style as Farm Fresh registers back-to-back wins

The Farm Fresh Foxies continued their strong start in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour offseason tournament by defeating the Petro Gazz Angels, 25-23, 25-21, 25-23, at the Capital Arena in Ilagan City on Sunday, July 13.

This marked the Foxies’ second straight win in the PVL On Tour, made even more impressive by their comeback from an 18-21 deficit to complete a 7-2 closing run. The sweep was fueled by standout performances from Jolina Dela Cruz—named Best Player of the Game after tallying 12 points, five digs, and five receptions—and Trisha Tubu, who topscored with 15 points.

The young spiker (Dela Cruz) admitted after the game that she is learning and embracing the strict tactics and coaching style of Farm Fresh head coach Alessandro Lodi. This follows a widely circulated moment during Lodi’s PVL debut, where he was seen passionately shouting at Dela Cruz during a timeout in their 18-25, 21-25, 26-28 loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters.

JULY NA TALAGA, JOLINA 🦊

Jolina dela Cruz shined brightest up north as Farm Fresh completes a double PVL on Tour upset against Choco Mucho and Petro Gazz in Isabela.#PVL2025 #PVLonTour @spinph pic.twitter.com/lKl16W9V4u

— John Mark Garcia (@johnmarkdg_) July 13, 2025

Following their back-to-back wins, Lodi finally addressed the incident, explaining that it was a miscommunication involving a substitution between Dela Cruz and Alyssa Bertolano.

“So the point is, people who see that clip might think, ‘Oh no, what is going on?’ But my players know me. They know me very well. They understand why I get loud, and they know how much I love them. What people saw was just a surface-level moment. My players always react well because they know that, ultimately, they made a mistake. I’m just letting them know that,” Lodi said.

Dela Cruz praised Lodi’s coaching style, highlighting how he allows players to express themselves freely on the court.

“Si coach kasi ngayon, we know we are not afraid to make mistakes. Ganon siya. Gusto niya ilabas lang namin yung laro namin, and ayun nga, unti-unti, nalalabas namin at gumagaan. Nare-relax din kami,” Dela Cruz added.

With the victory, Farm Fresh moved to second in the Pool A standings with a 2-1 win-loss record. They now enjoy a short break before attempting to extend their streak to three wins when they face the Galeries Tower Highrisers on Saturday, July 26, at the USJ-R Coliseum in Cebu City.

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