The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles have made an impressive start to their campaign in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour conference series, opening the tournament with back-to-back victories to establish themselves as one of the early teams to watch.
Beyond their unbeaten record, the Thunderbelles have also used the preseason-style tournament as an opportunity to experiment with their lineup and develop the versatility of their young players. One of the biggest storylines surrounding the team has been the return of standout rookie AC Miner, who finally stepped back onto the court after missing the entire 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference due to a lingering shin injury.
However, fans have seen a different version of Miner upon her return. Instead of primarily playing her familiar role as a middle blocker, the 23-year-old has been deployed as an opposite spiker by head coach Jerry Yee—a move designed to maximize the team’s depth and give Miner a bigger role in the Thunderbelles’ system.
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For Miner, the position change has been a welcome challenge rather than an adjustment she has struggled with. The young standout is already familiar with playing multiple positions, having suited up as both a middle blocker and an opposite spiker during her final season in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
With that previous experience serving as a foundation, Miner has embraced the opportunity to expand her skill set and contribute in a different capacity for ZUS Coffee.
“I’m accepting it well. So, ginagawa ko lang ‘yung trabaho ko sa depensa since ‘yun naman siguro ‘yung kulang ko as a middle—‘yung defense sa back row. So, ‘yun pa rin ‘yung kailangan kong trabahuhin. Overall, well accepted naman ‘yung new role,” Miner said in a media interaction.
The transition has also been made easier by the presence of veteran players who continue to guide the young talent on the roster. Among those leading the way is former national team standout Jovelyn Gonzaga, whose experience and leadership have provided Miner with valuable support both during games and in training.
“I’m accepting it well, since ‘yung kapalitan ko, si Ate Jovelyn Gonzaga, isa sa mga veterans. Sobrang mahalaga kasi ni Ate Jov. Mas matagal na siyang naglalaro kaysa sa akin. With the help of the other veterans din, nagkakaroon ako ng kumpiyansa kasi hine-help nila ako para mas makatulong sa team at ma-boost din ‘yung confidence ko,” Miner added.
AC Miner trusts the process, prepares for bigger role#PVLonTour | #TheHeartOfVolleyballhttps://t.co/5TZ6q5BPyh
— Premier Volleyball League (@pvlph) July 29, 2026
ZUS Coffee’s decision to utilize Miner as an opposite spiker comes from the team’s impressive depth in the middle. With Thea Gagate, Riza Nogales, Zam Nolasco, and rookie Nicole Ong all capable of making an impact at the position, the Thunderbelles have the flexibility to move Miner to the wing and maximize their overall rotation.
The move also serves as part of the team’s long-term planning. With Gonzaga entering the latter stages of her decorated career, ZUS Coffee is preparing Miner to eventually take on a bigger leadership role and potentially become one of the team’s primary offensive options.
Yee explained that developing versatility among his players is necessary to ensure the team can maximize its available talent.
“Ano naman eh, as long as willing ‘yung bata. Kasi ‘yung mga middles natin, hindi natin ma-maximize if tatlo sila or apat; may hindi maglalaro. So talagang merong isa na magsi-switch talaga. Nagta-transition na rin naman ‘yung mga opposite natin, so paunti-unti, nagpapakabata tayo kumbaga,” Yee stated.
The ZUS Coffee head coach also acknowledged that while the team has shown improvement, there are still areas that need refinement as the Thunderbelles continue building chemistry.
“At least na-address natin. ‘Yung blocking, talagang malaki na improvement. Siyempre, maraming butas, like ‘yung floor defense natin; kailangan maalaga tayo. ‘Yung third ball natin kailangan maayos din. May pros and cons pero ganun talaga, we have to work,” Yee added.
Miner entered the PVL with high expectations after being selected fifth overall by ZUS Coffee in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft. She quickly lived up to the hype, establishing herself as one of the league’s most promising young talents.
During her debut professional campaign, Miner made an immediate impact, earning the Rookie of the Conference award in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. Her ability to contribute both offensively and defensively stood out, especially considering her limited experience at the professional level.
Now healthy and taking on a new challenge, Miner hopes to continue growing into a more complete player while helping the Thunderbelles maintain their strong start in the PVL On Tour.
With a talented roster, a mix of veteran leadership, and emerging stars like Miner embracing expanded roles, ZUS Coffee appears determined to use the conference as another step toward building a stronger and more competitive team in Philippine volleyball.
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