ZUS Coffee continued to solidify its status as the team to beat in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference, capping off its preliminary round campaign with a stunning comeback victory over Akari, 23-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-12, 15-7, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday.

The win wasn’t just another number in the standings – it was a statement. Down two sets and staring at the brink of their first defeat, the Thunderbelles summoned the composure, chemistry and poise that have come to define their unbeaten run. From that point on, they were untouchable, storming back to complete a dramatic reverse sweep that underscored their growing aura of invincibility.

Once again, import star Anna DeBeer led the ZUS Coffee charge with a 33-point performance built on precision, speed and power. She also tallied 12 excellent receptions, proving her value on both ends of the floor.

“It’s a total team effort,” said DeBeer. “We didn’t have a good start, but we turned it around for our first five-set win of the season – that’s pretty exciting.”

If DeBeer was the spark, the locals were the steady flame that kept the Thunderbelles burning bright. Jovelyn Gonzaga and Riza Nogales scored 11 points apiece, anchoring both the attack and the defense. Chinnie Arroyo added 10 markers, while AC Miner chipped in seven, including key quick hits that shifted momentum squarely in their favor.

Their collective performance reflected what ZUS Coffee has become known for: balance, trust and a brand of volleyball that blends flair with ruthless efficiency. After stumbling early, the team recalibrated in Set 3 and never looked back – blitzing Akari by 13 points in the fourth before cruising to a dominant finish in the decider.

The victory also mirrored their win over Akari last October during the PVL On Tour – when they clashed with all-Filipino rosters – another five-setter that revealed their championship DNA. The difference this time? ZUS Coffee looked even more complete, more confident and more commanding.

“Definitely, it was hard sitting out the first one, so just being able to play and have such a cool environment here was really fun,” said DeBeer.

“Nag-adjust lang kami at na-execute nang maayos ang mga basic plays kaya nakuha namin ang panalo,” said ZUS Coffee coach Jerry Yee. “In-adjust lang namin kung ano ang ibinibigay ng kalaban, kaya maganda ang naging resulta.”

Akari, led by import Annie Mitchem’s 27 points and Eli Soyud’s 15, appeared in full control after the first two sets. But once the Thunderbelles found their rhythm, the Chargers struggled to keep up. Akari’s unforced errors piled up – 32 in total – compared to just 13 for ZUS Coffee, a gap that ultimately spelled the difference.

The Thunderbelles’ Set 4 explosion foreshadowed the inevitable. From the moment DeBeer drilled back-to-back points to open the fifth frame, the result was no longer in doubt. Nogales’ emphatic block on Soyud, Miner’s lightning-fast quicks, and Gonzaga’s closing rocket to Zone 6 sealed the deal, as ZUS Coffee completed the one-hour, 56-minute masterpiece.

ZUS Coffee finished the first stage of the prelims with a 5-0 record, advancing to the next phase with not just momentum but a palpable sense of inevitability. Every match has showcased a different weapon in their arsenal – from DeBeer’s firepower to the locals’ defensive mastery and on-court chemistry.

Despite the loss, Akari still secured the No. 3 seed heading into the next phase of the preliminaries, edging Petro Gazz in the tiebreak via a superior sets-won ratio after both teams finished with identical 3-2 records.

While the Thunderbelles have already proven their depth and adaptability, what truly sets them apart is their composure under fire. When tested, they don’t panic; they respond. When challenged, they evolve. It’s a quality that has turned them from dark horses into the league’s standard of excellence.

With their unblemished record and unmistakable swagger, the Thunderbelles now march into the next round as the league’s hottest and most feared team – a squad that not only wins but does so with style, heart, and an unshakable belief that no mountain is too high to climb.

Cloanne Mondonedo orchestrated the Thunderbelles’ offense with poise and precision, tallying 27 excellent sets that sparked their rhythm from the third set onward. Her ability to spread the floor, vary the tempo and keep every attacker engaged turned the tide of the match, leaving Akari’s defense guessing on nearly every rally.

From perfectly timed back-row sets for DeBeer to quick plays in the middle for Miner and Nogales, Mondonedo showcased not only technical mastery but also remarkable court vision and composure under pressure – traits that underscored her growing reputation as one of the league’s most cerebral playmakers.

She outshone her counterpart, Mars Alba, who finished with 23 excellent sets but struggled to sustain consistency once ZUS Coffee’s offense began clicking.

Complementing that command at the net was Gonzaga, whose veteran leadership and all-around brilliance anchored the Thunderbelles on both ends. The seasoned open spiker turned in a vintage performance that included 13 excellent digs, and 13 receptions — a stat line that speaks volumes about her versatility and relentless drive.