Pia Ildefonso is set to return to action as she signs with one of the newest teams in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) ahead of the Invitational Conference which begins on June 27. 

Pia Ildefonso signs with the Farm Fresh Foxies ahead of the PVL Invitational Conference. (Screengrab from Farm Fresh Foxies on Instagram)

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The former Ateneo Blue Eagle, who skipped her sophomore year in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball due to an undisclosed reason, was welcomed by the Foxies on social media on Saturday, June 10. 

“This one wants to rediscover her love for volleyball and Farm Fresh is ready to guide her through the process. Together, we will reignite that fire,” the post said. 

“Welcome your newest Foxy, Pia Ildefonso!”.

The 5-foot-9 middle blocker is the third Ildefonso to join the pro ranks after her brothers Shaun and Dave, who are seeing action in the PBA and Korean Basketball League, respectively. 

Ildefonso will be teaming up with NCAA Season 97 Most Valuable Player Mycah Go and the core players of the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers under veteran coach Jerry Yee. 

Farm Fresh is bracketed with Foton, Petro Gazz, F2 Logistics, Choco Mucho and Cignal in Pool B. 

Meanwhile, Pool A will feature defending champion Creamline, PLDT, Chery Tiggo, Akari and fellow newcomer Gerflor. 

The mid-year conference will be completed by two foreign squads, where the top two teams from each pool will play in the round-robin semifinals. 

On the other hand, Venice Puzon will getting her first taste of the pro following her signing with the High Speed Hitters. 

The team announced the setter’s signing through special guest license from the Games and Amusement Board. 

“Two-time NCAA best setter, Lyceum Lady Pirate Venice Puzon will be joining the High Speed Hitters in the upcoming PVL Invitational Conference via a guest license!” they wrote. 

Puzon was instrumental in the Lyceum Lady Pirates’ run in the NCAA Season 98 women’s volleyball tournament where they fell to the eventual champions Lady Blazers. 

She will be joining holdovers captain Mika Reyes, veteran and fellow setter Rhea Dimaculangan, Dell Palomata, Mean Mendrez and newly-signed wing spiker Royse Tubino. 

In another new team signing, the Defenders have added former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons standout Alyssa Bertolano in their lineup. 

The 20-year-old opposite spiker has decided to launch her volleyball career in the pro after only a mere two years in the UAAP.