Trisha Tubu did not think twice about jumping to the pro ranks despite playing just one season with Adamson University for the opportunity to help her ailing father.
The opposite spiker was formally welcomed by Premier Volleyball League newcomer Farm Fresh Friday as part of its roster for the Invitational Conference scheduled to open on Tuesday, 27 June, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
While many were surprised about Tubu leaving the Lady Falcons this early following a stellar outing in her rookie year in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85, the 22-year-old Tarlac native bared a deeper and more personal reason behind her decision.
“This decision is not about me or anyone. But this is for my father in Tarlac,” Tubu, who along with three other teammates led an exodus of Adamson players to the PVL, said.
That one big sacrifice so she can get her father a much-needed heart pacemaker. Trisha Tubu, you deserve all the love and support you are getting. The Farm Fresh family is proud to have you as a Foxy. 🦊🥛🧡🏐 #FarmFreshStart pic.twitter.com/oWKjc9jrlN
— Farm Fresh Foxies (@FarmFreshFoxies) June 23, 2023
Tubu signed with the Foxies coached by Jerry Yee, who was released by Adamson just a month after steering the squad to a third place finish to end a nine-year Final Four drought, to be able to shoulder the medical bills of her father suffering from heart problems.
“He needs a pacemaker after going through a lot of operations after suffering a stroke,” the lefty power-hitter said.
Tubu added that she needs to earn money to attend to the needs of her father and she would only be able to do that by going pro.
“I just need a big amount of money. He has sacrificed a lot for me in the past and now is my time to give back,” she said.
“I don’t want to get to the point where it’s already too late to do that.”
Tubu emerged as Adamson’s leading scorer last season averaging 14.5 points per game and ranked 14th in the Most Valuable Player race.
Also joining Tubu in Farm Fresh are other Lady Falcons winger Kate Santiago, middle Aprylle Tagsip and libero Cae Lazo.
The Foxies also parade the core of back-to-back National Collegiate Athletic Association of the Philippines champion College of Saint Benilde led by Gayle Pascual, Jade Gentapa and setter Cloanne Mondonedo along with former Ateneo de Manila University middle blockers Joan Narit and Pia Ildefonso.
Farm Fresh is in Pool B with Choco Mucho, Cignal, F2 Logistics, newcomer Foton and Petro Gazz.
The Foxies open their campaign against the Cargo Movers on Tuesday.
