Alohi Robins-Hardy relished her long-awaited return to the taraflex with the Farm Fresh Foxies despite a tough loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the PVL on Tour.
After years away from the court and a full season as an assistant coach, Alohi Robins-Hardy finally suited up again—this time as the on-court leader for Farm Fresh in the 2025 PVL on Tour.
And though her return ended in a loss, it was anything but disappointing.
“It's bittersweet. First game out there, finally my work is showing. And for our team as well,” the 6-foot-3 setter told reporters. “I'm proud of our girls. We're really trusting the process. It's a relief, honestly. It's been way too long.”
Farm Fresh absorbed a tough straight sets loss at the hands of PLDT, 18-25, 21-25, 26-28, on Tuesday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Still, Robins-Hardy, who was selected third overall in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, left her mark in her first official game since 2019.
[ALSO READ: Alohi Robins-Hardy relieved as long-winding saga with Farm Fresh ends in PVL Draft]
She came up with three points, two of which came as blocks, while the other was a 1-2 play that brought the Foxies to set point in the third frame, 26-25.
However, the High Speed Hitters denied the rally and eventually sealed the victory after Mika Reyes' kill block.
“It’s great, honestly,” she said of returning to competition. “Coaching sometimes sucks. From the outside, you want to get in there, especially for me, since I’m still able to play. Last year was tough, but it’s great, honestly. It’s amazing.”
Robins-Hardy spent the past year helping Farm Fresh grow from the sidelines, but now she finds herself back in uniform alongside a promising mix of veterans and young talents like Louie Romero, Trisha Tubu, Jolina Dela Cruz, and Lorene Toring.
“Last year, I was able to train with them as well. And they’ve come a long way since last year, even a few months ago. I’m excited to see how they progress even more. They’re going to help us win games," she said.
Conditioning-wise, she admitted she’s not yet at her peak but trusts her experience and familiarity with systems to bridge that gap.
A key part of her role, she emphasized, is helping guide teammates and serving as a link between the coaching staff and players, especially with potential communication barriers under Italian coach Alessandro Lodi.
“There’s always work to be done. But I think trusting the process and helping translate what the coach wants to the team is going to be important for me,” she added.
Despite the result, Robins-Hardy remains focused on the big picture, setting her sights on building chemistry and momentum as Farm Fresh prepares for its next matches in Ilagan City against Choco Mucho and Petro Gazz on July 12 and 13.