ZUS Coffee Books First-Ever PVL Semifinals Slot After Sweeping Capital1
ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles continued its breakthrough 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference run, clinching its first-ever semifinals appearance with a commanding sweep of Capital1 Solar Spikers, 25-14, 25-20, 25-18, in the knockout quarterfinals on Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Thunderbelles, who joined the league in 2024, have now secured their best finish in franchise history — and they did so with complete control from start to finish.
DeBeer Dominates in Import Showdown
The quarterfinal match was billed as a showdown between the teams’ star imports — ZUS Coffee’s Anna DeBeer and Capital1’s Sasha Bytsenko. But DeBeer stole the spotlight, erupting for 24 points all on attacks, while also contributing eight excellent digs and seven excellent receptions in a stellar all-around outing.
With DeBeer leading the charge, the Thunderbelles tallied 51 attack points compared to Capital1’s 35, giving them a decisive edge in the scoring department.
Setter Cloanne Mondoñedo kept the offense humming smoothly, delivering 17 excellent sets that allowed ZUS Coffee to maintain its tempo and rhythm throughout the one-hour, 22-minute matchup.
Balanced Support Behind ZUS Coffee’s Dominance
The Thunderbelles’ depth was on full display, with several players stepping up behind their explosive reinforcement.
- Chinnie Arroyo chipped in eight points off the bench.
- Riza Nogales continued her steady production with seven points.
- Jovelyn Gonzaga and AC Miner added six markers apiece to complete the well-rounded effort.
With the win, ZUS Coffee joins Akari and Petro Gazz in the semifinals and now awaits the winner of the PLDT–Cignal quarterfinal duel, whom they will face on Thursday.
(Video from the YouTube Channel of One Sports)
Capital1 Ends Campaign Against Stronger, Deeper Squad
Capital1’s season came to an end as they struggled to match ZUS Coffee’s firepower and depth.
- Oleksandra Bytsenko tallied 19 points along with six excellent receptions.
- Rookie Bella Belen, in her first professional playoff appearance, finished with nine points but impressed defensively with 19 excellent receptions.
The Solar Spikers bowed out in their second straight quarterfinal appearance, unable to keep pace with the high-flying Thunderbelles.
With ZUS Coffee now just one win away from a historic Finals berth, the semifinal showdown promises to be another major milestone in the franchise’s rapid rise.
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