EST Cola recovered from another slow start and put together a strong all-around performance to sweep Farm Fresh Foxies, 25-21, 25-16, 25-22, in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After dropping a four-set decision to defending champion PLDT in its tournament opener, the Thai side responded with a composed performance that moved it into the thick of the six-team competition at 1-1.
Farm Fresh appeared in control early in the opening set after building an 18-14 lead, but EST Cola gradually found its rhythm and turned the deficit around.
The Thais carried that momentum into the second set, taking command early and never allowing the Foxies to mount a sustained challenge.
EST Cola also had to work for the third set after surrendering a 20-16 advantage. Farm Fresh fought back to level the score at 21-all, setting up a tense finish.
The Thai side answered with four straight points to regain control. Nirarach Srikuta delivered a powerful attack, followed by an ace from Papatchaya Phontham. A hitting error from Trisha Tubu then gave EST Cola another point.
Phontham subsequently missed her serve, but setter Natnicha Saelao finished the match with a clever play. After initially looking as if she would set the ball, Saelao instead sent a quick hook toward Zone 6 that caught the Farm Fresh defense off guard.
Saelao was instrumental throughout the 82-minute game, registering 22 excellent sets and four blocks. Her setting total was 10 more than Farm Fresh playmaker Louie Romero.
“I was so excited for today and a bit pressured,” Saelao said. “Today, we are so happy because of our teamwork, and I helped in everything.”
“Thank you for the experience and thank you to the Filipino fans for coming here. Thank you for everything,” she added.
Phontham led all scorers with 17 points, while Srikuta and Nannaphat Moonjakham chipped in nine apiece. Nattharika Wasan and Saelao finished with seven points each.
Tubu, who scored 25 points in Farm Fresh’s opening-day victory over Ho Chi Minh City, was limited to 15 points. Ces Molina added nine and Ara Galang had seven as the Foxies struggled to produce enough scoring support against the Thai defense. (Adrian Co)
