ILAGAN, Isabela — ZUS Coffee unveiled a promising new-look roster on Wednesday, opening its 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour Showdown campaign with a convincing 25-11, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17 victory over Akari at Capital Arena.
The Thunderbelles’ offseason moves immediately paid dividends as newly acquired standouts Zam Nolasco and Jolina Dela Cruz played key roles in the club’s successful season opener, giving fans an early glimpse of a team determined to contend this year.
Making her long-awaited return to the PVL after a two-year absence, Nolasco wasted little time announcing her arrival. Fresh off an impressive collegiate career with the College of Saint Benilde, the reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player spearheaded ZUS Coffee’s attack with 15 points, including 11 kills and four blocks, while displaying confidence throughout her first appearance in Thunderbelles colors.
Dela Cruz proved to be another valuable addition. After spending the previous two conferences with Farm Fresh, she seamlessly fit into ZUS Coffee’s lineup, contributing 12 points and 13 excellent receptions. Her all-around performance gave the Thunderbelles both offensive firepower and stability in serve reception.
For Nolasco, adapting to a new team turned out to be easier than she expected.
“Sobrang gaan lang din po sila makasama sa loob ng court, which is naging helpful din siya sa akin as a rookie sa team,” she said after the match.
The young star also credited the coaching staff and veteran teammates for making the transition smooth.
“Mababait yung ates and coaches. Familiar na rin kami sa program, sa system, sa players, wala naman pong sobrang adjustments. Kinikeep ko lang po kung paano ako maglaro.”
ZUS Coffee established control from the opening set, dictating the tempo behind sharp execution on both ends of the floor. The Thunderbelles overwhelmed Akari with efficient offense and disciplined defense to race to an emphatic 25-11 victory.
The Chargers mounted a stronger challenge in the second frame, staying within striking distance until the closing moments. However, timely attacks and solid defensive plays allowed ZUS Coffee to escape with a 25-23 win and take a commanding two-set lead.
Akari finally found its breakthrough in the third set, surviving a back-and-forth battle before edging the Thunderbelles, 28-26, to keep the match alive.
Any hopes of a comeback were quickly erased in the fourth.
With the score narrowly favoring ZUS Coffee at 18-17, the Thunderbelles delivered their best stretch of the match. Nolasco and Dela Cruz combined with veteran Rachel Daquis to ignite a decisive 7-0 finishing run, shutting the door on Akari and completing the victory in one hour and 57 minutes.
The match also marked the successful return of AC Miner, who missed the entire All-Filipino Conference while recovering from a shin injury. Adjusting to an opposite hitter role, Miner made an immediate impact with 15 points and 10 excellent digs, adding another dimension to ZUS Coffee’s attack.
Veteran leader Daquis chipped in 11 points, while Kate Santiago and Riza Nogales added seven and six points, respectively, underscoring the Thunderbelles’ balanced scoring effort.
Behind the offense was setter Cloanne Mondoñedo, who orchestrated the team’s attack with 21 excellent sets, consistently finding the hot hand and keeping Akari’s blockers off balance.
For the Chargers, Eli Soyud carried the offensive load with 16 points, standing as the lone Akari player to reach double figures.
Support came from Ivy Lacsina, who finished with nine points, while Sharya Ancheta, Chen Tagaod, and Jamaica Villena each contributed eight markers. Despite flashes of competitiveness, Akari struggled to maintain consistency against ZUS Coffee’s organized attack and resilient defense.
The victory gives the Thunderbelles an encouraging start to their PVL On Tour campaign, especially with their newest acquisitions already blending well with the team’s experienced core. The result also offers positive signs that ZUS Coffee’s offseason rebuilding efforts are beginning to take shape.
ZUS Coffee will aim to extend its winning start when it faces Choco Mucho on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. in Batangas.
Meanwhile, Akari hopes to regroup before returning to action against Choco Mucho on August 1 in Polomolok, South Cotabato, as it looks to bounce back from its opening setback.
