The PVL Reinforced Conference began on Tuesday at the Ynares Center Montalban despite a raging controversy that barred the imports—supposedly recruited to bring more talent and star power—from playing. Even so, the show went on for the Zus Coffee Thunderbelles, Akari Chargers, Choco Mucho Flying Titans, and Capital1 Solar Spikers as they ushered in the league’s season-ending conference.
Zus Coffee Turns Back Akari in First Five-Setter of PVL Reinforced Conference
The Zus Coffee Thunderbelles bucked an opening-set loss and a two-sets-to-one deficit to turn back the Akari Chargers, 24-26, 25-23, 17-25, 25-24, 15-7, in the first match of the PVL Reinforced Conference. The match was a fierce, see-saw battle full of momentum shifts and splendid action that ultimately ended in favor of the Thunderbelles.
Eli Soyud led all scorers with 22 markers, while Chenie Tagaod chipped in 18 for the winners, who sealed the match with a 7-0 run to turn a slim 8-7 lead in the fifth to a 15-7 coronation. Fifi Sharma and Ced Domingo carried the fight for Akari with 22 combined points.
Up Next:
Zus Coffee vs. Chery Tiggo Crossovers – October 11 (City of Dasmariñas Arena)
Akari vs. Creamline Cool Smashers – October 11 (City of Dasmariñas Arena)
Choco Mucho Upends Capital1, Foils PVL Debut of Bella Belen
All eyes were rightfully on highly touted No. 1 pick Bella Belen in this match, but the Choco Mucho Flying Titans proved too strong for the Alas Pilipinas standout and her Capital1 Solar Spikers. With Belen proving to be the real deal, Choco Mucho still managed to notch a 33-31, 26-24, 25-23 sweep that was closer than the scores indicated.
Belen top-scored in this match with 20 points, but the returning Kat Tolentino and Maddie Madayag sparked Choco Mucho, who proved steadier down the stretch in each of the three sets to nudge past the determined Solar Spikers. Tolentino led the Flying Titans with 15 points, followed by 14 from veteran Isa Molde. Madayag added 5 points on a match-high 3 blocks. Leila Cruz chipped in 18 markers for Capital1, who looked good despite the loss.
Up Next:
Choco Mucho vs. Cignal HD Spikers – October 13 (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
Capital1 vs. PLDT High Speed Hitters – October 13 (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
Next Up in the PVL Reinforced Conference
The PVL Reinforced Conference will continue on Thursday at the City of Dasmariñas Arena with four more teams making their debut. The Petro Gazz Angels will take on the Galeries Tower Highrisers in the first match, while the Farm Fresh Foxies will go up against the Nxled Chameleons in the nightcap.
