The first two quarterfinal matches of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference brought shocking upsets — but second-ranked ZUS Coffee refused to be the next casualty, overpowering seventh-seeded Capital1.
Led by Anna DeBeer, the Thunderbelles made quick work of the Solar Spikers in straight sets, 25-14, 25-20, 25-18, to secure their first-ever semifinals appearance on Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
DeBeer was in spectacular form, erupting for 24 points — all from attacks — while adding eight excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.
With the victory, ZUS Coffee is now just one win away from reaching a historic Finals appearance.
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“I think it’s a full-on team effort. Like, I could not do anything I do without everyone out there, which is really exciting, and that’s gonna help us carry on in the semis and hopefully in the Finals,” said the American import.
“I’m super happy. I mean, it really shows how we’ve been doing all season long. It’s like everyone stepping up in different moments.”
The Thunderbelles’ relentless offense produced 51 attack points, while Capital1 struggled to find rhythm, scoring just 35 in the one-hour, 22-minute contest.
Cloanne Mondoñedo orchestrated the offense with precision, delivering 17 excellent sets that allowed ZUS Coffee to run their system smoothly and keep the Solar Spikers on their heels throughout the match.
Chinnie Arroyo contributed eight points off the bench, while Riza Nogales added seven. Jovelyn Gonzaga and AC Miner each chipped in six markers in the huge win.
“Happy, but then may next few games pa. So unfortunately, ang format, one loss and you’re out, so kailangan paghandaan talaga,” said Thunderbelles head coach Jerry Yee.
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ZUS Coffee now joins Akari and Petro Gazz in the semifinals and will await the winner of the PLDT–Cignal quarterfinal duel, set to face them on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Capital1 fell short in its second quarterfinal appearance, ultimately bowing to the more experienced and deeper Thunderbelles squad.
Oleksandra Bytsenko led the Solar Spikers with 19 points and six excellent receptions. Top overall pick Bella Belen was limited to nine points despite 19 excellent receptions in her first playoff outing.
Leila Cruz added six points.
