Veteran outside spiker Rachel Anne Daquis is set to reunite with longtime teammate Jovelyn Gonzaga after completing a move from the Farm Fresh Foxies to the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles ahead of the 2026 PVL season.
Both squads are operated by Strong Group Athletics.
Daquis was officially unveiled by ZUS Coffee in a social media post on Monday, joining a veteran-laden group that includes setter Chie Saet, wing spiker Renee Peñafiel, outside hitter Cess Robles, and libero Karen Verdeflor.
“Let’s make it official! Welcome to the ZUS Coffee family, Karen Verdeflor, Ren Peñafiel, Cess Robles, Chie Saet, and Rachel Anne Daquis!” the team wrote on its official Facebook page.
Daquis Was a Free Agent—and Chose to Sign With ZUS
Daquis, who suited up for the Foxies last season, surprised many by making the switch to Farm Fresh’s sister team—prompting an explanation from Sherwin Malonzo.
According to reports, the former Cignal HD Spiker was already a free agent when she signed with ZUS Coffee, with Malonzo pointing out that the former Foxies’ contract had ended, effectively making her a free agent. It just so happened that Daquis ultimately decided to sign with ZUS.
Thunderbelles Add Depth and Firepower to Young, Talented Core
Robles, who previously played for the now-defunct Chery Tiggo Crossovers, is expected to take on a major scoring role with the Thunderbelles. Peñafiel adds depth and firepower to the wing rotation, while Verdeflor will bolster the backcourt, sharing libero duties with fellow veteran Alyssa Eroa.
The new recruits will join the Thunderbelles’ young core of Thea Gagate, AC Miner, Riza Nogales, Chinnie Arroyo, and Cloanne Mondonedo in the upcoming 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, which tips off this Saturday, January 31.
