Anna DeBeer delivered an inspired performance to lead ZUS Coffee past defending champion Creamline, 25-27, 25-17, 25-20, 25-22, and remain unbeaten in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Thursday night at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
With her mother Sarah in attendance, DeBeer took charge and exploded for 37 points built on 35 attacks and two blocks, while also tallying 15 excellent receptions.
Her dominant showing powered the Thunderbelles, who bounced back from a first-set loss to win the next three frames and stun the Cool Smashers.
“I think they’re never really out of it. Like, no matter how much we felt like we were up by a few, they’re always creeping back in. I think that challenged us to stay focused when we have a few-point lead. In that first set, they were never out of it,” said DeBeer.
(C) PVL Images
ZUS Coffee had to mount a late surge in the fourth set as Creamline threatened to extend the match to a decider.
Trailing 19-20, Thea Gagate tied the score with a quick attack before Fiola Ceballos nailed a searing service ace. DeBeer then fired a cross-court hit to give the Thunderbelles a 22-20 cushion.
Tots Carlos momentarily stopped the bleeding with a well-executed combination play, but DeBeer answered with an off-the-block hit. AC Miner capitalized on a floating ball to bring ZUS Coffee to match point at 24-21.
Carlos once again struck through the block, but Miner finished the contest with a quick attack to seal the victory after almost two hours of intense action.
“So siyempre meron kaming sasandalan. So ‘yung kumpyansa nabi-build, ‘yung skills lumalabas kapag meron kang teammate na ganyan. Everybody is stepping up, especially Anna,” said ZUS Coffee head coach Jerry Yee.
Miner finished with 13 points on seven attacks and five of the Thunderbelles’ 10 total kill blocks.
Jovelyn Gonzaga also put up an all-around effort with six points, 12 excellent digs, and 12 excellent receptions.
Setter Cloanne Mondoñedo kept the offense humming with 25 excellent sets and four points, while libero Alyssa Eroa collected 13 excellent digs.
With the victory, ZUS Coffee improved to 3-0 in Pool B and will face another tough test against Petro Gazz on Tuesday at 4:00 PM, once again at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, Creamline — coming off a dominant bounce-back win over Galeries Tower — was quickly brought back down to earth, dropping to 2-2 after its second loss of the tournament.
Courtney Schwan registered a double-double with 18 points and 11 excellent digs. Team captain Alyssa Valdez added 13 points and 11 excellent receptions.
Jeanette Panaga chipped in 11 points on eight attacks and three blocks, while Carlos also scored 11.
The Rebisco-backed Cool Smashers struggled to find their offensive rhythm, as setter Kyle Negrito managed only 14 excellent sets, while the team committed 25 unforced errors.
Creamline will aim to bounce back when it faces Chery Tiggo EV on Tuesday at 6:30 PM.
