The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles have made an emphatic statement at the start of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preseason conference, opening their campaign with back-to-back victories to emerge as one of the early pace-setters in the tournament.
After reaching the finals of last season’s Reinforced Conference, the Thunderbelles have carried that momentum into the preseason, showcasing a more polished and versatile squad under head coach Jerry Yee. Their perfect 2-0 record has placed them atop the standings and strengthened optimism that the franchise is ready to challenge for its maiden PVL championship.
ZUS Coffee began its campaign in dominant fashion with a four-set victory over the Akari Chargers, winning 25-11, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17 in Ilagan City, Isabela on July 8. The Thunderbelles followed that up with an equally convincing performance just three days later, sweeping crowd favorites Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 25-14, 25-20, 25-23, in Batangas City.
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The two victories highlighted the team’s growing chemistry, depth, and defensive discipline, with multiple players stepping up throughout both matches as ZUS Coffee continued to fine-tune its systems ahead of the regular season.
Despite the unbeaten start, Yee insists there is little room for complacency. While pleased with his team’s progress, the veteran coach believes the preseason is more about development than results and remains focused on ironing out weaknesses before the campaign that truly matters.
“I would like to start by saying that I’m happy they are responding well to the changes, but we still have a lot of work to do,” Yee said during a media interaction.
BREWED ANOTHER WIN ☕⚡
The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles keep the energy brewing, powering past the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in straight sets to collect their second preseason win and another cash prize in Batangas City. pic.twitter.com/QDlRo8X4Ak
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) July 11, 2026
“If you are a coach, what you really see are the lapses, the shortcomings, and the things that your team needs to improve on.”
Yee has approached the On Tour tournament as an opportunity to experiment with different lineups and rotations. Taking full advantage of the competition’s all-to-play rule, he has ensured every member of the roster receives meaningful court time, allowing players to gain valuable experience while helping the coaching staff evaluate different combinations.
The 52-year-old mentor has also deployed several players in unfamiliar roles, believing positional flexibility will become one of the team’s biggest strengths once the regular season begins.
“We are trying to practice our rotation,” Yee explained. “We have many new players and positional changes. So, we would like to practice those and get our players some playing time.”
That willingness to experiment reflects ZUS Coffee’s long-term vision. Rather than simply chasing victories in the preseason, the Thunderbelles are focused on building a deeper and more adaptable roster capable of sustaining a championship challenge throughout the season.
Another encouraging development for Yee has been the recent international exposure gained by several of his players. AC Miner, Chinnie Arroyo, Zam Nolasco, Alyssa Eroa, Riza Nogales, and Cloanne Mondonedo all suited up for Strong Group Athletics at the 2026 Formosa Women’s Volleyball Invitational Tournament in Taiwan.
Competing against international opposition provided the players with invaluable experience in a high-level environment, something Yee believes will accelerate both their individual growth and the team’s overall development. Exposure to different playing styles and higher-intensity competition is expected to pay dividends as the Thunderbelles continue to mature into one of the PVL’s rising contenders.
With an increasingly deep roster, improved chemistry, and valuable experience gained both domestically and internationally, expectations surrounding ZUS Coffee continue to grow. However, Yee remains committed to his process, emphasizing steady improvement over early-season hype.
The Thunderbelles will have another opportunity to test themselves when they face the PLDT High Speed Hitters on Saturday, August 8, in the City of Santiago. A victory would not only preserve their unbeaten record but also provide another indication that ZUS Coffee is building the consistency required to transform last season’s breakthrough campaign into a genuine championship-winning year.
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