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Fresh Start Sparks Jolina Dela Cruz's Comeback With ZUS Coffee
Photo credit: PVL
After spending the last two seasons with Farm Fresh, the former De La Salle standout Jolina Dela Cruz decided it was time for a fresh start, turning down a contract renewal to join ZUS Coffee in hopes of getting more playing time and rediscovering the form that once made her one of the PVL's promising outside hitters.
Dela Cruz revealed that although Farm Fresh wanted to extend her contract, she chose to move on and embrace a new opportunity.
The 26-year-old's journey hasn't been easy. She joined Farm Fresh in 2024 after F2 Logistics exited the league, but a torn ACL in her right knee delayed her debut as she underwent surgery and months of rehabilitation. When she finally returned, she showed flashes of her old self, but limited playing time eventually pushed her to seek a team where she could contribute more consistently.
That opportunity came with ZUS Coffee under head coach Jerry Yee.
According to Dela Cruz, regular minutes on the court, a system that fits her style, and supportive teammates have helped her enjoy the game again while rebuilding her confidence.
The move paid off immediately. In her debut for the Thunderbelles during the opening match of the 2026 PVL On Tour Showdown, Dela Cruz finished with 12 points and 13 excellent receptions to help ZUS Coffee defeat Akari in four sets.
More than the numbers, she said the biggest win was regaining the confidence she had lost after spending much of the previous conference on the bench.
Dela Cruz also credited Coach Jerry Yee for allowing her to grow without the fear of making mistakes, saying his trust has helped her rediscover both her game and herself on the court.
Dela Cruz revealed that although Farm Fresh wanted to extend her contract, she chose to move on and embrace a new opportunity.
The 26-year-old's journey hasn't been easy. She joined Farm Fresh in 2024 after F2 Logistics exited the league, but a torn ACL in her right knee delayed her debut as she underwent surgery and months of rehabilitation. When she finally returned, she showed flashes of her old self, but limited playing time eventually pushed her to seek a team where she could contribute more consistently.
That opportunity came with ZUS Coffee under head coach Jerry Yee.
According to Dela Cruz, regular minutes on the court, a system that fits her style, and supportive teammates have helped her enjoy the game again while rebuilding her confidence.
The move paid off immediately. In her debut for the Thunderbelles during the opening match of the 2026 PVL On Tour Showdown, Dela Cruz finished with 12 points and 13 excellent receptions to help ZUS Coffee defeat Akari in four sets.
More than the numbers, she said the biggest win was regaining the confidence she had lost after spending much of the previous conference on the bench.
Dela Cruz also credited Coach Jerry Yee for allowing her to grow without the fear of making mistakes, saying his trust has helped her rediscover both her game and herself on the court.
Jul 10, 2026
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