Rachel Anne Daquis of the Farm Fresh Foxies. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA, Philippines – Rachel Anne Daquis, more than her rich volleyball experience, is also supplementing Farm Fresh with an attitude essential for every team — positivity.
Daquis, 37, not only provides her team a skillful boost, but also uplifts the Foxies whenever needed, on and off the court.
This was on full display when Farm Fresh made a masterful reverse sweep of Capital1, 18-25, 21-25, 26-24, 25-19, 15-12, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
As coach Benson Bocboc worded it, Daquis "never forgets to smile." Down two sets to nothing, Daquis — in both contexts of cheering the team up and scoring — spirited a comeback for the ages.
"Laging naka-ganiyan 'yan eh [naka-smile]. Kaya ayun, very positive kasi siya eh, kahit 'yung ibang tahimik nadadala niya," said Bocboc. "Tapos kahit na galit siya, naka-smile siya. So… ibang-iba 'yung energy."
READ: PVL: Daquis shows vintage form as Farm Fresh completes reverse sweep of Capital1
READ: PVL: Galanza stars as Creamline sweeps Farm Fresh for 9th-straight victory
Daquis fired a game-high 19 points on 17 attacks and two blocks to lead the offense of the Foxies, securing their fifth win to end the preliminary round.
But for the Far Eastern University (FEU) legend, she's still far from the vintage form she wanted.
READ: Daquis being patient as she eyes '100%' condition before PVL return
"Struggle pa ako eh, kasi siyempre kahit nakabalik ako, kahit nagre-rehab and nagbubuhat ako, ‘yung control sa bola pa din ‘yun pa ‘yung missing sakin," Daquis said.
Daquis was just grateful for the team's trust in her as she shifted her focus on the things she could contribute to lift the team.
"Hindi naman ako sinukuan ng team ko, talagang inilaban nila ako. Best game, kasi talagang kailangan namin manalo ngayon pero mas may ilalabas pa tayo — basta huwag tayo mag-stop matuto, mag-adjust, and ‘yun siguro mag-focus pa ako sa anong matutulong ko," said Daquis.