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Tag: ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles

  • Jerry Yee sees room for improvement despite ZUS Coffee’s perfect PVL On Tour start

    Jerry Yee sees room for improvement despite ZUS Coffee’s perfect PVL On Tour start

    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.

    “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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  • AC Miner makes successful return from injury, takes on new role for ZUS Coffee

    AC Miner makes successful return from injury, takes on new role for ZUS Coffee

    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.

    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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  • AC Miner embraces new role as ZUS Coffee builds for the future 

    AC Miner embraces new role as ZUS Coffee builds for the future 

    AC Miner’s return to ZUS Coffee has been about much more than recovering from injury. It has also marked the beginning of another transformation in her volleyball journey.

     

    After missing the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference because of a shin injury, Miner has returned to the Thunderbelles with a different assignment, taking over as an opposite spiker after spending most of her career as a middle blocker.

     

    Instead of viewing the adjustment as a setback, the former Ateneo standout has welcomed the challenge with the same mindset that has defined much of her career.

     

    “I’m accepting it well,” Miner said when asked about the position switch.

     

    The role is hardly unfamiliar territory for the former Rookie of the Conference. During her final season with Ateneo under Brazilian coach Sergio Veloso in UAAP Season 87, Miner was also asked to alternate between middle blocker and opposite hitter, giving her experience that is now proving valuable in the professional ranks.

     

    For ZUS Coffee head coach Jerry Yee, the move was driven by both necessity and long-term planning.

     

    With Thea Gagate, Riza Nogales, Zam Nolasco, and fourth overall rookie Nicole Ong providing depth in the middle, keeping everyone in their natural position would leave limited opportunities for several players.

     

    “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,” said Yee.

     

    “Nagta-transition na rin naman ‘yung mga opposite natin, so paunti-unti, nagpapakabata tayo kumbaga,” he added.

     

    The shift also allows the Thunderbelles to gradually prepare for the future while easing the workload of veteran opposite spiker Jovelyn Gonzaga, whose experience continues to play a vital role in the team’s development.

     

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    Miner admitted that the biggest adjustment has come away from the net, particularly in improving her back-row defense after spending years focusing on blocking as a middle.

     

    “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,” said the former Rookie of the Conference.

     

    Fortunately for Miner, she has someone she trusts to guide her through the transition.

     

    “I’m accepting it well, since ‘yung kapalitan ko, si Ate Jov (Gonzaga), isa sa mga veterans,” she said.

     

    “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,” she added.

     

    Yee believes the experiment could eventually give ZUS Coffee another legitimate attacking option while making the team’s frontline bigger and more flexible against the league’s top opponents.

     

    The early returns have already been encouraging during the Thunderbelles’ unbeaten start in the 2026 PVL On Tour Showdown, particularly with Miner’s improved presence at the net.

     

    “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,” said Yee.

     

    Even so, the longtime mentor stressed that the conversion remains a work in progress rather than a finished product.

     

    “May pros and cons pero ganun talaga, we have to work.”

     

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  • Farm Fresh, ZUS Coffee join forces to represent Philippines in Formosa Volleyball Invitational

    Farm Fresh, ZUS Coffee join forces to represent Philippines in Formosa Volleyball Invitational

    Two Premier Volleyball League (PVL) teams will join forces on the international stage as the Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles combine their talents to represent the Philippines at the 2026 Formosa Women’s Volleyball Invitational Tournament in Chinese Taipei.

     

    The tournament, scheduled from July 30 to August 2, will provide the Philippine squad with a valuable opportunity to measure itself against a diverse field featuring club teams and national selections from Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and Hong Kong.

     

    Playing under the Strong Group Pilipinas banner, the collaboration between the sister PVL franchises allows both teams to assemble a deeper and more competitive roster while giving their players much-needed international exposure ahead of the upcoming PVL season.

     

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    Leading the Farm Fresh contingent is reigning PVL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Trisha Tubu, who headlines a talented group that includes Roselyn Doria-Aquino, Maicah Larroza, Ces Molina, Louie Romero, and Jonna Perdido.

     

    The Foxies’ roster will be complemented by key players from ZUS Coffee, including AC Miner, Chinnie Arroyo, Clo Mondonedo, Riza Nogales, Alyssa Eroa, and Zamantha Nolasco, creating a balanced lineup that combines youth, experience, and different playing styles.

    Farm Fresh head coach Koji Tsuzurabara will take charge of the combined squad, while ZUS Coffee head coach Jerry Yee will serve as one of his assistants alongside veteran mentors Kungfu Reyes and Shaq Delos Santos.

     

    For Tsuzurabara, the tournament represents an ideal opportunity for the players to challenge themselves against international competition and continue improving before returning to domestic action.

     

    “This tournament gives us exactly the challenge we are looking for before the PVL season. We will be facing quality teams from different countries with different playing styles, and that’s an opportunity for both Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee to grow. The level of competition will push our players to improve, build chemistry, and gain the experience that will benefit them once the PVL season begins,” Tsuzurabara said in a media interaction.

     

    Beyond the competition itself, the tournament is also expected to strengthen the connection between the two PVL organizations as they work together toward a common goal of representing the country.

     

    Yee expressed his excitement over the opportunity for the players and coaching staff to wear the Strong Group colors, emphasizing the importance of gaining international experience while developing stronger relationships between the two teams.

     

    “It’s an honor for our players and coaching staff to wear the Strong Group colors and represent the Philippines. We hope to make our country proud with the way we compete. At the same time, bringing together players from Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee is a great opportunity to build relationships, learn from one another, and create a strong team culture that will benefit both clubs when we return to the PVL,” Yee added.

     

    With a talented roster and an experienced coaching staff, Strong Group Pilipinas hopes to use the Formosa Women’s Volleyball Invitational as a platform to showcase the depth of Philippine volleyball and prepare its players for the challenges ahead in the PVL season.

     

     

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  • Jolina Dela Cruz finds her place as ZUS Coffee’s new-look rotation delivers 2-0 start in PVL On Tour

    Jolina Dela Cruz finds her place as ZUS Coffee’s new-look rotation delivers 2-0 start in PVL On Tour

    ZUS Coffee is proving that early success is not built around a single star but on a roster learning to move as one—and Jolina Dela Cruz is quickly becoming an important piece of that puzzle.


    The Thunderbelles continued their impressive start to the 2026 PVL On Tour on Saturday, sweeping Choco Mucho, 25-15, 25-20, 25-23, at the Batangas City Sports Center to seize the early solo lead in the tournament with a 2-0 record.

     

    For Dela Cruz, the unbeaten start reflects more than just victories. It is also evidence that she is gradually finding her rhythm after making the move to ZUS Coffee following her stint with Farm Fresh in the previous conference.

     

    “I think, unti-unti naman nakakasunod na rin talaga sa sistema nila. Siyempre, sariling sistema din talaga si coach Jerry, tapos ‘yung players talaga, galing din talaga sa kanya,” Dela Cruz said.

     

    Rather than immediately taking on a starring role, the 26-year-old outside hitter has embraced the team’s structure, allowing the Thunderbelles’ balanced system to flourish under head coach Jerry Yee.

     

    That depth was on full display against the Flying Titans as Chinnie Arroyo paced the offense with nine points, while Jovelyn Gonzaga and Alyanna Ong chipped in eight each. 

     

    Dela Cruz and Rachel Anne Daquis contributed six markers apiece, while Kate Santiago, Zam Nolasco, AC Miner, and Riza Nogales all added five points, highlighting the team’s distributed scoring attack.

     

    Dela Cruz credited Yee’s willingness to constantly rotate his players for helping everyone stay involved.

     

    “Today, talagang binabalasa rin talaga ni coach (Jerry) ‘yung mga tao. Makikita rin naman kahit sa other teams, ganun ‘yung ginagawa,” Dela Cruz explained.

     

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    Yee said the frequent lineup adjustments are intentional as the team continues to build chemistry with several new faces and players adapting to different responsibilities.

     

    “We’re trying to practice our rotation. Marami kaming bago, mga bagong position, so we’d like to practice and get them some playing time,” said Yee.

     

    “I’d like to say na masaya ako at nagre-respond sila sa mga changes, but siyempre, marami pa rin kaming adjustments na kailangang gawin,” he added.

     

    The Thunderbelles have now opened the tournament with consecutive victories after also defeating Akari in their opener in Isabela, with their disciplined net defense and balanced offense emerging as early trademarks.

     

    ZUS Coffee will now have ample time to continue refining its chemistry before returning to action on Aug. 8, when it faces the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the next leg of the PVL On Tour in the City of Santiago.

     

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  • Zam Nolasco wastes no time making impact as ZUS Coffee rookie credits familiar system

    Zam Nolasco wastes no time making impact as ZUS Coffee rookie credits familiar system

    For many rookies, the jump from college to the professional ranks comes with a steep learning curve.

     

    For Zam Nolasco, it felt more like picking up where she left off.

     

    The former College of Saint Benilde standout enjoyed a dream debut in the PVL, firing a team-high 15 points to power ZUS Coffee to a 25-11, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17 victory over Akari in the opening match of the 2026 PVL On Tour on Wednesday in Ilagan City, Isabela.

     

    Instead of spending her first professional appearance adjusting to a new environment, Nolasco looked comfortable from the opening set—a familiarity she credits to head coach Jerry Yee, who also mentored her during her collegiate career at Saint Benilde.

     

    “Same lang din po ng coach sa college, tapos same lang sa pro,” Nolasco said. “Pinag-usapan na rin namin ni Coach Jerry [Yee] na ayun yung plano after college. Okay naman po siya sa akin.”

     

    Long before she officially entered the PVL, the move to ZUS Coffee had already been discussed between player and coach, allowing both sides to prepare for a seamless transition.

     

    That continuity showed in her confident performance against the Chargers, where she immediately emerged as one of the Thunderbelles’ primary offensive weapons.

     

    Although Nolasco’s collegiate career ended without an NCAA championship, Yee has already shifted her focus toward accomplishing that goal in the professional ranks.

     

    “Sinabihan niya po ako during training dito sa ZUS. Sinabi niya sa akin, dito na lang kami kumuha ng championship,” she shared.

     

    “Okay lang kasi makakabawi pa ako. Madami pa namang time para mag-prepare, at madami pang games na pagsasamahan namin ni Coach [Jerry].”

     

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    The smooth adjustment hasn’t been limited to the coaching staff.

     

    Nolasco also pointed to the welcoming environment created by her veteran teammates, saying their support made it easier to settle into her new role.

     

    “Sobrang gaan lang din po sila makasama sa loob ng court, which became very helpful for me as a rookie,” she said.

     

    “Familiar na rin kami sa program, sa system, at sa players. Wala naman pong sobrang adjustments. Kine-keep ko lang kung paano ako maglaro.”

     

    Her previous exposure to the PVL also played a role.

     

    Before the Rookie Draft era, Nolasco had already experienced competing against professional clubs, including ZUS Coffee during tune-up matches while she was still with the Lady Blazers.

     

     Those encounters gave her a clearer picture of the level of competition awaiting her after college.

     

    “Na-experience ko na rin po yung PVL, so alam ko na ‘yung feeling ng makipaglaro sa mga pros,” Nolasco said. “Sa teammates naman, kilala ko na sila. Nung college ako, nakakalaro na rin namin yung ZUS sa tune-up.”

     

    If her first outing is any indication, Nolasco’s transition to the professional game may not take long at all.

     

    With confidence, familiarity, and a coach who already understands how to maximize her strengths, the rookie now turns her attention to an even bigger test when ZUS Coffee faces Choco Mucho on Saturday in Batangas City, where she’ll look to build on an impressive first chapter of her PVL career.

     

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  • Fresh start fuels Jolina Dela Cruz as ZUS Coffee opens PVL On Tour with win over Akari 

    Fresh start fuels Jolina Dela Cruz as ZUS Coffee opens PVL On Tour with win over Akari 

    For Jolina Dela Cruz, changing teams was about more than wearing a different jersey—it was about finding the confidence and opportunity she felt had slipped away.


    That decision immediately paid off on Wednesday as Dela Cruz impressed in her ZUS Coffee debut, helping the Thunderbelles defeat the Akari Chargers, 25-11, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17, to kick off their Premier Volleyball League On Tour campaign at the Capital Arena.

     

    After her contract with Farm Fresh expired, the former De La Salle standout was offered an extension by the Foxies. Instead of staying, she chose to pursue a fresh challenge, believing a move to ZUS Coffee would provide the chance to reclaim the form that once made her one of the league’s brightest young outside hitters.

     

    Her first match with the Thunderbelles offered an encouraging glimpse of that potential.

    Dela Cruz contributed 12 points while anchoring the team’s passing game with 13 excellent receptions, providing the all-around performance ZUS Coffee needed to secure an impressive opening victory under head coach Jerry Yee.

     

    The performance was especially meaningful for Dela Cruz after a difficult stretch with Farm Fresh.

     

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    She joined the Foxies in 2024 following the disbandment of F2 Logistics but had to delay her debut as she recovered from a torn ACL in her right knee. Although she made an immediate impact upon returning, her opportunities gradually became limited as Farm Fresh continued experimenting with different lineups.

     

    Rather than settle for a reduced role, Dela Cruz decided it was time for a new beginning.

     

    “Ayun nga, tapos na rin naman ‘yung contract ko with Farm Fresh and that time dapat i-renew rin (nila ako). Pero ayun nga, nag-request na rin ako na (‘wag na),” Dela Cruz said.

     

    More than anything, the move was driven by her desire to regain the belief she once had in her game.

     

    “Siyempre, una, ‘yung kumpiyansa talaga kasi last conference rin. Ang hirap din ng kumpiyansa; wala rin talagang playing time that time. So eto, super big opportunity ‘to talaga para sa akin,” the former DLSU Lady Spikers standout said.

     

    With the trust of Yee and her new teammates, Dela Cruz now hopes her debut is only the beginning of a steady climb back to peak form as she embraces a bigger role with the Thunderbelles.

     

    The victory also earned ZUS Coffee P100,000 under the PVL On Tour incentive program, while Akari received P50,000 as the losing team.

     

    The Thunderbelles continue their campaign against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on July 11 in Batangas City, while Akari looks to bounce back when it faces the same opponent on August 1 in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

     

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  • ZUS Thunderbelles bolster roster with four new reinforcements ahead of PVL On Tour

    ZUS Thunderbelles bolster roster with four new reinforcements ahead of PVL On Tour

    ZUS Coffee is entering the 2026 PVL On Tour with a fresh look. Determined to build on last season’s campaign, the Thunderbelles have reinforced their roster by bringing in four new players—Jolina Dela Cruz, Zam Nolasco, Chenae Basarte, and Angela Jackson, as they prepare to begin another chapter in the Premier Volleyball League.

     

    The new additions offer a blend of proven collegiate success, professional experience, and young talent, giving head coach Jerry Yee more depth across multiple positions ahead of the preseason tournament.

     

    Leading the new recruits is former De La Salle University standout Jolina Dela Cruz, who moves to ZUS Coffee after spending the previous season with Farm Fresh.

     

    The veteran wing spiker joins her third PVL franchise after first landing with Farm Fresh in 2024 despite recovering from a knee injury following the disbandment of F2 Logistics in 2023.

     

    Her arrival strengthens the Thunderbelles’ outside hitter rotation alongside seasoned campaigners Rachel Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga. The transfer also reunites Dela Cruz with former De La Salle teammate Thea Gagate, giving the squad another familiar on-court connection.

     

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    The Thunderbelles also tapped into the successful College of Saint Benilde program by adding two Lady Blazers.

     

    Fresh from an impressive collegiate career, Zam Nolasco begins her professional journey after capping her final NCAA season with the league’s Most Valuable Player award.

     

    The 6-foot-1 middle blocker established herself as one of the country’s top collegiate frontliners, collecting three NCAA championships and multiple Best Middle Blocker honors during her four-year stay with the Lady Blazers.

     

    Nolasco will once again work under Jerry Yee, who also coached Saint Benilde, making the transition to the professional ranks a familiar one for both player and coach.

     

    Joining her is setter Chenae Basarte, who concluded her collegiate career as team captain of the Lady Blazers entering the NCAA Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.

     

    Known for her steady playmaking and leadership, Basarte is expected to provide stability to the Thunderbelles’ offense as she takes on her first professional assignment.

     

    Completing ZUS Coffee’s list of newcomers is Angela Jackson, one of the youngest players on the roster.

     

    The former University of the Philippines Integrated School standout was selected in the fourth round of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft at just 20 years old despite having limited collegiate volleyball experience.

     

    Now preparing for her professional debut, Jackson is expected to add depth at the opposite spiker position as she begins her PVL career.

     

    With four new reinforcements joining the fold, ZUS Coffee hopes its revamped lineup will translate into a stronger showing when the 2026 PVL On Tour opens.

     

    The Thunderbelles begin their campaign on July 8 against the Akari Chargers in Ilagan City, where the team’s newest acquisitions are expected to make their first appearance in ZUS Coffee colors.

     

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  • SGA pledges support as Alas Pilipinas rebuild roster ahead of AVC Women’s Cup

    SGA pledges support as Alas Pilipinas rebuild roster ahead of AVC Women’s Cup

    A major reset is underway for Alas Pilipinas Women as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation begins reshaping its national team program ahead of the AVC Women’s Cup scheduled from June 6 to 14 in Candon City.

     

    PNVF president Tonyboy Liao confirmed that the federation is rebuilding the roster after losing several key players from its previous core, forcing the program to rethink its composition just weeks before the continental tournament.

     

    At the same time, support is coming in from the private sector, with Frank Lao and his Strong Group Athletics pledging a major commitment to the national program. 

     

    This includes players and coaching staff from Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, as well as collegiate programs in UAAP and NCAA such as University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines, College of Saint Benilde, and Letran.

     

    SGA is also set to shoulder the salaries of its players and coaches who will join the national pool, a move Liao sees as crucial in strengthening the long-term pipeline for Philippine volleyball.

     

    “It’s good that he’s willing to help (Philippine) volleyball. We have to start preparing for the 2029 World Championship, especially since his teams have a lot of young players with great potential. They may still be raw right now, but by that time, they’ll already be fully matured,” Liao said.

     

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    As part of the long-term buildup, Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee have also committed their first two PVL Draft rounds to the Alas program, aligning their development path with the national team’s 2029 FIVB World Championship plans.

     

    However, challenges remain on the immediate horizon. Newly-appointed head coach Tai Bundit is currently sidelined after an accident in Thailand, forcing the federation to tap his coaching staff to temporarily lead the team.

     

    An interim head coach is expected to be chosen from a pool that includes Sherwin Meneses, Shaq Delos Santos, Geuel Asia, Krung Arbasto, JP Yude, and Benson Bocboc, as internal discussions continue.

     

    Liao is also monitoring the availability of key La Salle standouts Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, and Amie Provido, who are fresh off a dominant 16-0 UAAP Season 88 run.

     

    The rebuilding comes after a decorated stretch for the previous Alas core, which delivered back-to-back historic runs in the AVC Women’s Cup—winning bronze in 2024 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum and reaching the finals in 2025 before falling to powerhouse Vietnam.

     

    That same core also collected four consecutive SEA V.League bronze medals, although a podium finish at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand remained elusive.

     

    Now, with a new pool forming and leadership still in transition, the program is entering a crucial rebuilding phase that will define its next competitive cycle.

     

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  • “Lahat ng kaya kong gawin”: Maddie Madayag leads Choco Mucho’s charge to keep PVL hopes alive

    “Lahat ng kaya kong gawin”: Maddie Madayag leads Choco Mucho’s charge to keep PVL hopes alive

    The Choco Mucho Flying Titans rose to the occasion when it mattered most, showcasing a blend of firepower, resilience, and composure to outlast the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in a gripping five-set thriller, 21-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-11, 15-11, in a do-or-die showdown in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, March 24, at the FilOil Centre.

     

    Facing elimination, Choco Mucho leaned on its veteran core and rising stars to stay alive in the tournament. Sisi Rondina once again led the charge with a stellar all-around performance, tallying 27 points on top of 15 excellent receptions. She was ably supported by Maddie Madayag, Eya Laure, and Kat Tolentino, all of whom delivered in crucial stretches of the match.

     

    While Rondina provided her usual spark, it was Madayag who emerged as the difference-maker. The versatile middle blocker turned in one of her best performances of the conference, finishing with 19 points highlighted by three timely blocks. Her efforts earned her Best Player of the Game honors and helped anchor Choco Mucho’s defense at the net during pivotal moments in the match.

     

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    After the game, Madayag did not shy away from acknowledging both the team’s struggles and their determination to overcome them.

     

    “Ayaw kong matalo, ayaw ko ‘yung feeling na natatalo. So, lahat ng kaya kong gawin sa team para manalo kami, go. Whatever that I can contribute sa team, ayun ‘yung gagawin ko. Sobrang laking bagay na makita na kaya namin bawiin ‘yung sarili namin. ‘Yun sabi ni Sisi Rondina na kagagawan namin na nasa bottom seed kami. Not too bottom, but seventh place, again,” Madayag said.

    Choco Mucho’s path to victory was far from smooth. After splitting the first two sets, the Flying Titans faltered in the third, where ZUS Coffee dominated with a commanding 25-13 win. With their backs against the wall, however, Choco Mucho responded emphatically in the fourth set, rediscovering their rhythm and overwhelming the Thunderbelles with a lopsided 25-11 performance to force a decider.

     

    That shift in momentum proved crucial, as the Flying Titans carried their energy into the fifth set, where they held their nerve in a tightly contested finish to complete the comeback victory.

    Madayag highlighted the team’s growth, particularly their improved ability to respond under pressure—something that had plagued them in previous outings.

     

    “May mga times and sets na nalalamangan kami, but I’m very proud of my team na kahit na umabot na kami sa point na parang feeling namin na matatalo na kami, kaya pa rin ilaban, which was our struggle in the past few games, past few conferences, na kapag nalamangan kami ng team, hindi na namin kaya bumawi. Nakikita mo ‘yung puso and competitiveness na ayaw pa namin matapos, and gusto pa namin mag-training,” she added.

     

    The victory not only keeps Choco Mucho’s campaign alive but also sets the stage for another high-stakes encounter. The Flying Titans will face the Akari Chargers in yet another knockout match on Saturday, March 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with a coveted semifinal berth on the line.

     

    With momentum now on their side, Madayag emphasized the importance of staying grounded and focused as they prepare for their next challenge.

     

    “Ayun na nga kailangan namin mag-focus saw bawat isa, sa team namin, kung paano kami gumalaw and kung pano namin i-angat ‘yung sarili namin,” Madayag concluded.

     

    For Choco Mucho, the mission is clear: build on this hard-earned victory, sustain their intensity, and continue proving that they belong among the league’s contenders—one match at a time.

     

     

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