Talented wingers Caitlin Viray and Jolina Dela Cruz led Farm Fresh’s major recruitment coup to shore up its roster for the coming 2024 Premier Volleyball League season next month.
The Foxies formally named their new members on Saturday through their social media account bannered by two of the most sought-after hitters as the arms race continues to rage on with just a few weeks before action in the season-opening tournament begins on 17 February.
A lefty that is right for our team.
After a breakout season in the PVL, Caitlin Viray wanted to spread her wings further and reach new heights. And here in Farm Fresh, we will back her up with love.
To tons of victories with you!
LET’S GO, CAITLIN!!! 🦊🔥🧡 #FarmFreshFierce pic.twitter.com/gwoKv8TPtj
— Farm Fresh Foxies (@FarmFreshFoxies) January 13, 2024
Seasoned opposite spiker Caitlin Viray jumped to Farm Fresh after a four-year stint with last year’s 2nd All-Filipino Conference runner-up Choco Mucho.
The University of Santo Tomas product played a major role in turning the Flying Titans into legitimate contenders during her stint.
Now Viray is looking forward to facing new challenges as she begins her journey with Farm Fresh, which is its second season in the league.
“As I grow more in the industry, I feel the need to step out of my comfort zone and explore more challenges, this time with a new family in the Farm Fresh Foxies,” Viray said in a statement through her management, VP Global Management.
Dela Cruz, meanwhile, found a new home with the Foxies after her former club, F2 Logistics, disbanded last month.
Hey babe!
She was named after one of the most iconic TV and movie stars from the 90s but Jolina Dela Cruz has since made a name of her own in the volleyball world.
A name synonymous to greatness, hard work, and talent.
LET’S GO, JOLINA!!! 🦊🔥🧡 #FarmFreshFierce pic.twitter.com/NrVkcTW0f7
— Farm Fresh Foxies (@FarmFreshFoxies) January 13, 2024
The open spiker had an impressive run in her two conferences with the Cargo Movers. The De La Salle University standout, however, is still recovering from a right leg injury she suffered last conference and might see limited playing time if not a minimal role in the tournament.
Viray and Dela Cruz will add more scoring options for prized setter Louie Romero to help other wing spot holdovers Trisha Tubu, Kate Santiago and Alyssa Bertolano.
Farm Fresh also welcomed two more key pieces from F2 Logistics after tapping the services of Elaine Kasilag and Chinnie Arroyo. Jaycel Delos Reyes transferred to the Foxies after her stint with Chery Tiggo last year.
Also in the squad is veteran setter Anj Legacion while jumping into the pros to join Farm Fresh are University of Santo Tomas products libero Janel Delerio and outside hitter Ypril Tapia and Letran’s libero Julia Angeles.
The Foxies finished the 2nd AFC at 10th place with a 2-9 win-loss record.
Meanwhile, the franchise’s management also announced the entry of Strong Group Athletics to the PVL as Farm Fresh’s sister team.
SGA took over Gerflor’s franchise to become the league’s 11th club. The PVL now has four franchises with sister teams after Rebisco’s Creamline and Choco Mucho, the Manny V. Pangilinan group’s PLDT and Cignal, and Akari and Nxled.
