Alyssa Eroa is embracing a bigger challenge as she joins ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles for the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season, aiming to bring consistency and leadership to a team looking to make its mark as a title contender.
Eroa, who was named Best Libero in the 2024 Reinforced Conference, understands that the trust placed in her comes with elevated expectations. Her arrival signals ZUS Coffee’s intent to compete seriously in the 12-team field.
From nearly quitting the sport she loved, the San Sebastian alumna has emerged as one of the league’s most reliable liberos, averaging 16.6 excellent digs and 7.6 excellent receptions over 12 games across the preliminaries and qualifying rounds last season.
“Yung maging consistent pa. Kung ano yung nabigay ko sa Galeries, sana mabigay ko rin sa ZUS. Sinu-sure ko rin talaga na masuklian yung tiwala ng ZUS sa akin,” Eroa told reporters at Novotel Manila in Cubao on Wednesday evening, May 28.
Eroa also ranked third in the league in digs with 4.28 per set, anchoring Galeries Tower’s floor defense and helping steer the squad to its first playoff appearance after a stunning upset of third-seeded Cignal in the All-Filipino Conference qualifying round.
Her impressive performance earned her the Comeback Player of the Year and Best Libero honors at the inaugural Pilipinas Live PVL Press Corps Awards Night — a fitting recognition as she now opens a new chapter with the Thunderbelles.
“Siguro doon parang bagong panimula, tapos bagong magiging pamilya, kapatid, at ate,” she said of her move to ZUS Coffee.
“Parang dito, mate-test yung pagiging contributor ko as an experienced na player na. Siguro sa sobrang dami nilang Ate doon, siguro mas kalmado na ako ngayon,” she added.
(C) PVL Images
Previously the captain of a youthful Galeries side that featured Julia Coronel, Ysa Jimenez, and France Ronquillo, Eroa brings her trademark tenacity and calm leadership to a ZUS Coffee core that’s brimming with promise.
In addition to carrying a heavy defensive load — especially with Jenina Zeta and Julia Angeles sidelined — Eroa is expected to provide stability and mentorship to a talented cast that includes Rookie of the Year Thea Gagate, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Cloanne Mondoñedo, Chai Troncoso, Chinnie Arroyo, and Michelle Gamit.
“Siguro medyo mahihirapan lang ako kasi may Ate na ulit ako, kaya hindi ko alam if mag-oopen ako ng kung ano ang problema ko or kung ano dapat ko i-adjust kasi ate ko sila. Pero siguro hindi magiging mahirap kasi alam ko yung pakiramdam na hindi sumusunod, kaya siguro ako naman yung magfa-follow sa mga ate,” she said with a smile.
With a blend of veteran presence and youthful firepower, the Thunderbelles are poised to push deeper into the postseason against the league’s perennial powerhouses like Creamline, Petro Gazz, PLDT, and Choco Mucho.
ZUS Coffee is coming off its best-ever finish in franchise history, landing in seventh place in the All-Filipino Conference. They also pushed eventual champions Petro Gazz to a thrilling three-game quarterfinal series.
“Siguro hindi naman na siya mahirap sa akin na maka-adjust lalo na may mga ate at may mga bata. Siguro doon ako sa may mga mas bata, siguro medyo okay na ako doon kasi medyo tumagal naman ako sa Galeries na puro bata yung kasama ko,” Eroa said.
With her passion rekindled and her experience growing, Eroa is ready to brew something special with the Thunderbelles.
#WATCH: A NEW BREW, A NEW CHAPTER
Alyssa Eroa is stirring things up off the court as she begins a fresh journey with Zus Coffee 🏐
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times#PVL2025 pic.twitter.com/6FGAykfuLP
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) May 29, 2025
