ILAGAN, Isabela - ZUS Coffee made a strong start to its campaign in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League on Tour Showdown, with its offseason additions delivering immediately in a 25-11, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17 victory over Akari on Wednesday at Capital Arena here.
Newly signed free agents Zam Nolasco and Jolina Dela Cruz wasted little time making an impact as the Thunderbelles opened the preseason tournament with a four-set triumph over the Chargers.
Nolasco, who returned to the PVL after last playing in 2023 and recently wrapped up her collegiate career with College of Saint Benilde, shone in her debut for ZUS Coffee with 15 points on 11 attacks and four blocks.
Dela Cruz also impressed in her first outing with the Thunderbelles, finishing with 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.
The Thunderbelles controlled the opening set before weathering a challenge from Akari, which extended the match after claiming the tightly contested third frame.
With the fourth set hanging in the balance at 18-17, ZUS Coffee found another gear, rattling off the final seven points behind the combined efforts of Nolasco, Dela Cruz, and veteran Rachel Daquis to close out the one-hour, 57-minute contest.
AC Miner enjoyed a successful return after missing the entire All-Filipino Conference due to a shin injury, tallying 15 points and 10 excellent digs while adjusting to an opposite hitter role.
Daquis chipped in 11 points, while Kate Santiago and Riza Nogales supplied seven and six markers, respectively.
Setter Cloanne Mondoñedo directed the Thunderbelles' offense with 21 excellent sets as ZUS Coffee showcased a balanced attack in its season-opening win.
The Thunderbelles seek to carry their momentum into Saturday's matchup against Choco Mucho at 6:30 p.m. in Batangas.
Akari, meanwhile, struggled to establish consistency throughout the match.
Eli Soyud paced the Chargers with 16 points as the team's lone double-digit scorer.
Ivy Lacsina finished with nine points, while Sharya Ancheta, Chen Tagaod, and Jamaica Villena added eight points each.
The Chargers will aim to rebound when they take on Choco Mucho on August 1 in Polomolok, South Cotabato.
