The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles continued to make an early statement in the 2026 PVL On Tour.
The Thunderbelles rolled past a shorthanded Choco Mucho Flying Titans side, 25-14, 25-12, 25-23, on Saturday at the Batangas City Sports Center to remain unbeaten in the preseason tournament.
Fresh off a four-set victory over the Akari Chargers in Ilagan, ZUS Coffee carried its momentum into Batangas, cruising through the opening two sets before fending off a late challenge in the third to secure its second straight win and another ₱100,000 winner’s incentive.
Choco Mucho played without Alas Pilipinas standouts Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, and offseason acquisition Dawn Catindig, who remain with the national team in preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.
“Hindi naman ata kumpleto ’yung mga teams, pero kami we’re trying to practice our rotations so marami kaming bago, marami kaming bagong additions so we’d like to practice and give them some playing time,” said ZUS Coffee head coach Jerry Yee.
ZUS Coffee’s Depth Shines Once More
The Thunderbelles showcased their depth once again, with Chinnie Arroyo leading a balanced attack with 9 points.
Veteran Jovelyn Gonzaga made an immediate impact in her season debut after sitting out the opener, tallying 8 points and 6 excellent digs. Rookie Nicole Ong also scored 8 markers.
Jolina Dela Cruz and Rachel Anne Daquis chipped in 6 points apiece, while Kate Santiago, Zam Nolasco, AC Miner, and Riza Nogales added 5 each.
With Cloanne Mondoñedo getting a breather, Chenae Basarte capably ran the offense and finished with 12 excellent sets.
Choco Mucho Offers Resistance Late, But ZUS Coffee Responds
After dominating the first two sets, ZUS Coffee found itself in a tighter battle in the third as Choco Mucho fought to extend the match.
Locked at 23-all, Dela Cruz delivered a clutch off-the-block attack to give the Thunderbelles match point before Miner shut the door with a block on Des Cheng to complete the straight-set victory.
Viray paced the Flying Titans with 12 points, while Cheng added 10.
Libero Thang Ponce anchored Choco Mucho’s floor defense with 19 excellent digs and 16 excellent receptions, but the Flying Titans could not overcome ZUS Coffee’s balanced offensive attack.
ZUS Coffee will look to complete a sweep of its PVL On Tour assignments when it faces the PLDT High Speed Hitters on August 8 in Santiago, Isabela.
Meanwhile, Choco Mucho seeks to bounce back against PLDT on July 25 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
