MONTALBAN, RIZAL — AC Miner knows there’s still a lot of work to be done in her transition to professional volleyball with ZUS Coffee.
Despite admitting that adjustments are still ongoing, Miner has shown strong performances in her first two games back in the middle blocker position — a role she last consistently played in high school before shifting to opposite hitter during her final year at Ateneo de Manila University.
She made her debut with 12 points, including two blocks, in a tightly-contested five-set loss to Akari at the Ynares Center last Saturday, 24-26, 21-25, 25-17, 25-17, 15-17.
Miner followed that up with an even more impressive outing on Sunday, tallying 18 points built on 13 spikes and five blocks to lead the Thunderbelles past Capital1 in another five-setter, 20-25, 26-24, 23-25, 25-18, 15-11.
“The feeling at first is very overwhelming. Today and yesterday naman ang naging support system ko ay ‘yung coaches and teammates ko. Mas better na ‘yung feeling ko ngayon sa pro,” said the 5-foot-11 middle blocker on Sunday night.
“It’s very different from what I am used to sa college. Nagmi-middle ulit ako, pero I am still just adjusting. Siyempre with the team din, since less than a month din since nung na-draft nila ako,” she added.
(C) PVL Images
Selected fifth overall in the 2025 PVL rookie draft, Miner remains optimistic about ZUS Coffee’s campaign, especially after opening the 2025 PVL On Tour with back-to-back grueling matches that tested the team’s mettle — particularly in the absence of Alas Pilipinas middle blocker Thea Gagate.
Miner wasn’t alone in stepping up. She earned player of the game honors against the Solar Spikers, while teammates Kate Santiago and Jovelyn Gonzaga chipped in 17 and 14 points, respectively.
Mycah Go, the Thunderbelles’ second-round pick, also provided a strong spark off the bench, finishing with seven points, 23 excellent receptions, and 13 digs in a well-rounded effort.
“Okay naman overall for us. Five set today, and yesterday, pero nanalo today. I think mas malayo pa mararating ng team this season,” said a hopeful Miner.
“To be honest, it’s challenging naman po. Everyday naman, nagtatrabaho ako sa training para malagpasan ang mga hurdles na ‘yon at masanay sa pagiging middle na talaga,” she said, reflecting on her return to her natural position first honed during her high school days with Far Eastern University-Diliman.
