Jolina Dela Cruz relishes fan support, previews Farm Fresh ahead of Reinforced Conference

As someone who has been under the public eye since playing for one of the most successful collegiate sports programs in the country, the De la Salle University Green Spikers, Jolina Dela Cruz is accustomed to receiving recognition from the fans.

But when the Farm Fresh Foxies recently participated in the 2025 Davao Invitational Volleyball Tournament on her birthday, Dela Cruz experienced an appreciation that few players in the league experience.

“We played in Davao, so I celebrated my birthday there, and they gave me cakes and gifts,” Dela Cruz said in an exclusive interview with Sports News PH. “I love the fans.”

The former UAAP Best Outside Spiker and the Foxies repaid the gratitude of the Davaoeños by capturing a bronze medal in the tournament. However, Dela Cruz promised more to come in the upcoming 2025 Reinforced Conference.

“I think they can expect a more competitive Farm Fresh. Especially because we have an incoming import. “It’s also gonna be my first time playing with an import,” Dela Cruz said.

Although no announcement has been made, rumors have been circulating that Belgian national team member Hélène Rousseaux will be suiting up for the Foxies after numerous hints from the Belgian and the team.

Rousseaux’s or any import’s arrival will reinforce the up-and-coming Foxies, who reached the quarterfinals in the 2025 PVL on Tour conference but fell against the eventual third-placers Creamline Cool Smashers.

Dela Cruz is confident that the Foxies are on the right track with a balanced mix of youth and experience. 

Last year’s No. 3 overall pick in the draft Alohi Robbins-Hardy, and second-round pick Ann Monares have become mainstays in the starting line-up alongside three-time Best Opposite Hitter winner Trisha Tubu.

“For a young team like the Farm Fresh Foxies, we still have veteran players like ate Rachel Daquis, Riri Meneses, and ate Ces Molina. I think they can help our team build more confidence,” said Dela Cruz. 

JOLINA DELA CRUZ BEST OH!!!🥹🥵 pic.twitter.com/tF5oyH4alH

— kweenjolina ᥫ᭡. (@kweenjolina) July 12, 2025

Dela Cruz joined Farm Fresh in 2024 while still recovering from a torn ACL she suffered at her former club, the now-defunct F2 Logistics Cargo Movers. The 26-year-old opened up about her recovery and is still finding her confidence despite already being one of the team’s top stars.

“Coming from an ACL injury, I had a lot of frustrations but I think it changed my perspective; it changed me a lot. It’s hard, eh,” she said.

“It’s hard when you’re coming from an injury, so right now, I’m still building my confidence,” added Dela Cruz.

Dela Cruz also shared the mindset she brings to the young Foxies from her alma mater, the De la Salle Lady Green Spikers, while urging fans to be more patient.

“Coming from a championship team like La Salle. My mindset before was to play better – it was my last playing year when we got the championship – all I thought was to play better, play for my school, and play with pride,” she said.

“Right now, we’re rebuilding the team. For the fans, they have to be patient with the younger players,” she added.

For de la Cruz, the upcoming season is a chance for the Foxies to show what they built with their offseason success under the helm of international coach Alessandro Lodi.

“I’m hoping for at least a semis appearance,” she said.

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