Farm Fresh team owner Frank Lao is appealing to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) to let Alohi Robins-Hardy play in the upcoming All-Filipino Conference.

In a two-page statement released to the media on Thursday, Nov. 7, Lao is holding on to the “gentleman’s agreement” that he had with PVL President Ricky Palou last June allowing the Fil-American setter to suit up for the Foxies provided that she presents a valid Philippine passport.

However, the league recently stated that Robins-Hardy must join the draft first in order to play. In a memorandum, the league said any player that has not played in the league since it turned professional can only gain entry through the draft.

“That’s why I was shocked to learn that she can’t play unless she joins the PVL draft, which will happen next year,” said Lao.

Lao said prior to that, Palou admitted to having an oversight on Robins-Hardy’s situation, mistakenly thinking the latter had competed in the previous editions.

Robins-Hardy actually played for Cignal in the defunct Philippine Superliga and was part of the national team that won bronze in the 2019 ASEAN Grand Prix.

Trying to rectify the situation, Lao said Palou raised the idea of letting the teams decide if Robins-Hardy will be allowed to play through majority voting by signing a “Letter of No Objection.” The Foxies were able to draw support from the five squads namely ZUS Coffee, Galeries Tower, PLDT, Petro Gazz and Chery Tiggo, and was able to secure approval of two other teams, but Lao said Palou “decided to pull the plug.”

“All we want is to be competitive, that’s all,” Lao said as the Foxies have already acquired veterans Rachel Anne Daquis and libero Jheck Dionela to bolster their campaign.

Robins-Hardy, meanwhile, couldn’t hide her disappointment but hopes that she will be reconsidered as the start of the conference draws near.

“It’s really disappointing because I had to give up my job just to play and provide excitement to volleyball fans here in the Philippines,” said Robins-Hardy.

“I hope the PVL will reconsider its position and allow me to play. Volleyball means so much to me and competing in front of the Filipino fans is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life,” she added.

Team manager CK Kanapi-Daniolco, Kiara Cruz and lawyer Donn Kapunan also hope for the league to reconsider.

“Alam naman po namin yung rules ng draft. All we were seeking is special consideration in part for Alohi, considering she already played for the national team,” said Kapunan.

In a brief message, Palou, however, remained firm.

“Much as we would like Alohi to play, we have rules to follow. Our rules are very clear,” Palou said. “Alohi must go through the draft.”