When ZUS Coffee needed a spark, rookie middle blocker Riza Nogales was more than ready to deliver.
Coming off the bench, the former University of the East standout provided the energy and defense the Thunderbelles needed.
She powered their stunning come-from-behind victory over Akari, 23-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-12, 15-7, to complete a perfect first-round sweep in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Nogales checked in during the second set and never looked back. She tallied 11 points — including four of ZUS Coffee’s 10 kill blocks — in another composed outing that reflected her growing confidence in the pros.
(C) PVL Images
For the 25th overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, the trust from her coaches and teammates keeps her grounded and motivated to perform every time her number is called.
“Yun nga po, malaking bagay po sa’kin ‘yung binibigay na tiwala ng coaches and mga ate sa loob,” said Nogales.
“Lalo kapag ‘yung mga times na may error ako, malaking bagay na pang-boost sa’kin ‘yung pag-lift up nila sa’kin sa loob. Ayun lang, dun ako kumukuha ng lakas para mag-perform.”
Nogales built strong momentum in the preseason — where she was named Best Middle Blocker in the Invitational — and has since carried that form into her debut conference with the Thunderbelles, quickly emerging as one of the steals of the draft.
“Siguro ano lang sa’kin, one game at a time lang sa’kin. Every game kailangan maghanda, ‘yung mindset na laging ready kahit ‘di man ipasok,” she said.
