BATANGAS CITY – ZUS Coffee overwhelmed an undermanned Choco Mucho in straight sets, 25-14, 25-12, 25-23, to continue its impressive start in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League On Tour Showdown on Saturday night at the Batangas City Sports Center here.
Coming off a four-set victory over Akari last Wednesday in Ilagan, the Thunderbelles carried that momentum into Batangas, dominating the opening two sets before surviving a tougher third frame to remain unbeaten and pocket another ₱100,000 winner’s incentive.
The victory came at the expense of a Flying Titans squad that missed the services of Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, and newly acquired Dawn Catindig, all of whom remain with Alas Pilipinas as the national team prepares for the 2026 Asian Games.
(C) PVL Images
“Hindi naman ata kumpleto ‘yung mga teams, pero kami we’re trying to practice our rotations so marami kaming bago, marami kaming bagong additions so we’d like to practice and give them some playing time,” said ZUS Coffee head coach Jerry Yee.
The Thunderbelles’ offense clicked from the opening serve under the steady direction of Chenae Basarte, who started in place of Cloanne Mondonedo and orchestrated the attack with 12 excellent sets.
ZUS Coffee showcased its depth with a balanced offensive effort led by Chinnie Arroyo, who finished with nine points.
Veteran Jovelyn Gonzaga, returning after missing the opener against Akari, made an immediate impact with eight points and six excellent digs, while rookie Nicole Ong matched her output with eight markers.
Jolina Dela Cruz and Rachel Daquis chipped in six points apiece, while Kate Santiago, Zam Nolasco, AC Miner, and Riza Nogales contributed five each, highlighting the Thunderbelles’ balanced attack that kept Choco Mucho on the defensive throughout the match.
ZUS Coffee cruised through the first two sets with little resistance, but the Flying Titans finally found their rhythm in the third and threatened to extend the contest.
With the score tied at 23-all, Dela Cruz answered Caitlin Viray’s attack with a clutch off-the-block kill to put the Thunderbelles at match point. Miner then sealed the victory with a stuff block on Des Cheng, completing the straight-set sweep.
(C) PVL Images
Riding back-to-back victories, ZUS Coffee now shifts its focus to PLDT as it looks to complete a sweep of its preseason assignments on August 8 in Santiago, Isabela.
Viray paced Choco Mucho with 12 points, while Cheng added 10, but the Flying Titans struggled to keep up with ZUS Coffee’s balanced offense.
Libero Thang Ponce put together a strong defensive performance with 19 excellent digs and 16 excellent receptions, but it was not enough to prevent Choco Mucho from absorbing its first loss of the preseason.
The Flying Titans will look to bounce back when they take on PLDT on July 25 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
