PVL commissioner says Robins-Hardy cannot play for Farm Fresh, has to go through draft

Cignal HD setter Alohi Robins-Hardy. File photo courtesy of the PSL

MANILA, Philippines – Premier Volleyball League (PVL) commissioner Sherwin Malonzo said Monday that Alohi Robins-Hardy cannot play yet for Farm Fresh due to "regulations created earlier this year."

Robins-Hardy has to go through the Draft if she intends to join the league, said Malonzo. On October 22, the Foxies announced they had signed the former Cignal HD playmaker.

"She’s a good player but because of the regulations we created earlier this year and all the teams know about it naman eh. You have to have played from 2021 until 2024. 'Pag part ka ng mga teams, any team ni-lineup ka during those periods, you are considered a veteran player, so you don’t have to go through the draft," Malonzo explained.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Robins-Hardy still determined to play for PH

"In her case kasi, hindi siya na-lineup eh. I think there was an attempt on Cignal’s part back then, but I’m not sure about that. Since hindi siya na-lineup, she has to go through the draft process, where she needs to submit certain documents," he added.

READ: Farm Fresh announces signing of Robins-Hardy -- but can she play for them?

Robins-Hardy played in the now-defunct Philippine Superliga (PSL) with United Volleyball Club-Cocolife and later on with the HD Spikers.

The league previously said in its press release that the draft process allows "member teams to select players who have not previously competed in the league."

One of the rookie draft's primary goals is to "prevent bidding wars between teams," helping sustain the parity in the league.