Ara Galang and Jolina Dela Cruz faced each other for the first time since F2 Logistics' disbandment in 2023 as Chery Tiggo took on Farm Fresh in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.
For the first time since F2 Logistics’ disbandment in the PVL, Ara Galang went up against her former teammate in Jolina Dela Cruz.
It was Galang and the Chery Tiggo Crossovers that came out on top after securing a four-set win over the Farm Fresh Foxies, 21-25, 25-14, 25-17, 25-20, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Saturday, Jan. 25.
Galang earned Player of the Game honors after putting up 20 points on 15 attacks, four blocks, and one service ace.
On the other hand, Dela Cruz scored seven points in the loss, failing to follow up on her 20-point performance in her Farm Fresh Foxies debut.
Still, the 30-year-old wing spiker was proud to see her former teammate finally back in action after a long injury layoff.
“Nakaka-proud. Naalala ko, hindi ako nakanood nung game nila ng comeback game niya pero nakita ko ‘yung result. Sabi ko, wow. Sabi ko, grabe rin siya,” Galang said during the post-game press conference.
“Props sa tinrabaho niya all year or all the months na nag-rehab siya, nag-recover siya physically, mentally,” she added.
Galang knows a thing or two about dealing with an ACL injury, dating back to her UAAP days with the DLSU Lady Spikers.
The former DLSU star even made sure to message the 25-year-old outside hitter as she made her signing official with the Foxies last January 2024.
Dela Cruz, meanwhile, shared in the past that she was able to relate with Galang regarding the emotional and physical toll of dealing with her ACL injury.
[ALSO READ: PVL: How Ara Galang helped Jolina Dela Cruz overcome doubts, struggles amid ACL injury]
Now both back and thriving in their respective teams, Galang continues to cheer for Dela Cruz as they move past their respective knee injuries.
“Sobrang nakaka-proud na, alam mo ‘yun, pinakita niyang parang madali. Pero alam natin na hindi ‘yun madali eh. So, 'yun, nakaka-proud lang talaga. Kaya sabi ko nga lang sa kanya, pagpatuloy niya lang eh,” said Galang.