ZUS Coffee secured at least a top-three seed after unleashing their frustration on also-ran Nxled in straight sets, 25-13, 25-21, 25-21, in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at the Ynares Montalban Center.
Bouncing back from their first loss to Cignal, the Thunderbelles reclaimed the top spot, posting a league-best 7-1 record. PLDT and Farm Fresh are close behind at 6-1, marking ZUS Coffee’s best finish in the elimination round to date.
With 20 points, ZUS currently leads the standings, but PLDT and Farm Fresh (both at 18 points) can still overtake them if they win in straight or four sets against Petro Gazz and Chery Tiggo in Thursday’s final prelim matches.
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American reinforcement Anna DeBeer and rookie middle blocker AC Miner spearheaded the Thunderbelles’ attack, combining firepower and precision to secure a decisive straight-set victory.
DeBeer contributed 16 points on 13 attacks, two kill blocks, and one ace, along with 11 excellent digs. Meanwhile, Miner tallied 15 points on 13 attacks and two kill blocks in the one-hour, 18-minute win.
“Really great kasi pupunta kami sa next game namin, which is the quarterfinals, with a lot more confidence than yung last game namin. So very happy for the team,” Miner said.
“Yeah, kinda like she said, I really think it was a good win for us just to kinda get some confidence back after last game and really just kinda go in, working hard, getting ready for the next game, which is the quarterfinals,” DeBeer added.
Chinnie Arroyo added 10 points, while Kate Santiago — who played in lieu of Jovelyn Gonzaga — finished with nine markers, nine excellent digs, and eight excellent receptions for the league-leading ZUS Coffee.
Setting up the offense was Cloanne Mondoñedo, who delivered 23 excellent sets, along with two points.
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Meanwhile, the Chameleons ended the tournament winless, losing all eight of their matches in the import-laced tourney.
Spanish reinforcement Paola Martinez led the way with 15 points and six excellent digs. Fourth overall pick Lyann De Guzman wrapped up her first official stint with a triple-double of 10 points, 11 excellent digs, and 11 excellent receptions.
Team captain Chiara Permentilla added nine points and 12 excellent receptions in a losing effort.
