Newcomers power ZUS Coffee past Akari in PVL On Tour opener

ILAGAN, Isabela — ZUS Coffee received an immediate boost from its offseason acquisitions as the Thunderbelles defeated Akari, 25-11, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17, to open their campaign in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour Showdown on a winning note Wednesday at Capital Arena.

Former Farm Fresh standouts Zam Nolasco and Jolina Dela Cruz made an instant impact in their debut for ZUS Coffee, leading the Thunderbelles to a four-set victory in the opening match of the preseason tournament.

Nolasco, who returned to the PVL after completing her collegiate career with College of Saint Benilde, delivered 15 points on 11 attacks and four blocks.

Dela Cruz, meanwhile, contributed 12 points and 13 excellent receptions after spending the previous two seasons with Farm Fresh.

"Sobrang gaan lang din po sila makasama sa loob ng court, which is naging helpful din siya sa akin as a rookie sa team," said the reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player.

"Ayun po, mababait yung ates and coaches. Familiar na rin kami sa program, sa system, sa players, wala naman pong sobrang adjustments. Kinikeep ko lang po kung paano ako maglaro," she added.

ZUS Coffee controlled the opening two sets and appeared headed for a straight-sets victory before Akari extended the match by escaping with a hard-fought win in the third.

The Thunderbelles quickly regained control in the fourth, with Nolasco, Dela Cruz, and veteran Rachel Daquis leading the charge.

Holding a slim 18-17 advantage, ZUS Coffee closed the match with a decisive 7-0 run to complete the victory and deny the Chargers any chance of forcing a fifth set.

AC Miner also impressed in her return after missing the entire All-Filipino Conference due to a shin injury. Playing as an opposite hitter, she finished with 15 points and 10 excellent digs.

Daquis added 11 points in the one-hour, 57-minute contest, while Kate Santiago and Riza Nogales chipped in seven and six points, respectively.

Setter Cloanne Mondoñedo orchestrated the offense with 21 excellent sets as the Thunderbelles showcased a balanced attack.

ZUS Coffee returns to action on Saturday in Batangas, where it will face Choco Mucho at 6:30 p.m.

Akari, meanwhile, struggled to sustain its offense throughout the match. Eli Soyud paced the Chargers with 16 points, the lone player on the team to score in double figures.

Ivy Lacsina finished with nine points, while Sharya Ancheta, Chen Tagaod, and Jamaica Villena added eight markers each.

The Chargers will look to rebound when they face Choco Mucho on Aug. 1 in Polomolok, South Cotabato.