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.

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

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.

Meanwhile, the league stated that official guidelines take precedence over all other considerations.

In a memorandum issued last May 1 to all member teams outlining the free agent rules and draft guidelines, the league specified that "All players who wish to play in the PVL, but have not played in the league since its professional status began in 2021 until the first conference of 2024, must apply and go through the draft process."

Last June 2, the league also shared a list of veteran players potentially eligible for direct hiring, from which Robins-Hardy was notably absent.

"These regulations were presented to all teams and accepted by the same," the league said in a statement.

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.

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.