Jolina back with a bang

MANILA, Philippines — Farm Fresh didn’t think twice when it signed Jolina dela Cruz last year even if the talented outside spiker from La Salle then was to undergo an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery that would sideline her for months.

It all paid off as Dela Cruz powered the franchise to a 25-22, 26-24, 25-21 victory over the Nxled Chameleons yesterday in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena.

Nervous and jittery on her return action after a year-long absence, the former UAAP Best Outside Spiker found her groove and unleashed a match-high 20 points including 18 off attacks that propelled Farm Fresh to their third win with as many defeats.

“One year and one day since my surgery, it feels good to be back,” said a teary-eyed Dela Cruz.

Choco Mucho clawed its way out of the grave in a gripping 20-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-9 win over ZUS Coffee (2-4) and leapt to 4-3s.

In the nightcap, PLDT settled an old score with Akari, 25-22, 25-15, 25-16, and climbed to 4-2. The Chargers slipped to 3-4.