The Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference opened with a bang Tuesday night, October 7, at the Ynares Center in Montalban, as ZUS Coffee turned back Akari in a gripping five-set battle, 24-26, 25-23, 17-25, 25-24, 15-7, setting the tone for a season that will spotlight homegrown stars.

The anticipated return of international imports was put on hold after the Philippine National Volleyball Federation withheld endorsement of the required International Transfer Certificates (ITCs), despite complete and timely submissions from clubs and federations. That sudden twist left teams adjusting on the fly, but the local players delivered a high-caliber performance that needed no foreign boost.

Local stars seize the spotlight in five-set thriller

What was expected to be a showcase of imported power became a testament to Filipino resilience and depth. Both squads traded blows in long rallies and high-intensity sequences, as if to remind fans that local talent can carry the league.

Akari’s Eli Soyud and Chenie Tagaod led their team’s offensive charge, supported by middles Fifi Sharma and Ced Domingo at the net. On the other side, ZUS Coffee’s Jovelyn Gonzaga, Chinnie Arroyo, Riza Nogales and AC Miner proved just as formidable, consistently producing key plays to keep their side in contention.

Libero Alyssa Eroa, named Player of the Game after tallying 22 excellent digs, admitted the team had to adjust quickly. “Sobrang hirap mag-adjust. Parang lahat kami nangangapa kasi biglaan ‘yung balita na hindi pa pala p’wedeng maglaro ang imports,” she said. “Sanay na kaming kasama si Anna (DeBeer) sa rotation, kaya malaking adjustment talaga.”

The Thunderbelles saved their best for last. In the deciding fifth set, they broke a slim 8-7 edge with a commanding 7-0 closing run. A successful challenge midway through the set swung momentum firmly in their favor, and they capitalized through clutch hits from Nogales and Arroyo, before Fiola Ceballos sealed the win with two aces.

Thunderbelles’ composure proves decisive in clutch moments

Statistical numbers mirrored the tightly contested match. ZUS Coffee edged Akari in attacks (64-62) and blocks (14-12), while the Chargers held a slight service advantage (7-6). Errors were nearly even, with 24 coming from ZUS and 23 from Akari.

Nogales led ZUS with 15 points, while Gonzaga and Arroyo chipped in 14 each. Kate Santiago and AC Miner added 11 and 10, respectively. Soyud top-scored with 22 for Akari, followed by Tagaod’s 18, with Sharma and Domingo combining for 22 markers.

The Thunderbelles’ familiarity with high-pressure matches—sharpened during multiple five-setters in the PVL On Tour—was evident. Their composure and chemistry under stress allowed them to thrive where other teams might falter.

As the PVL awaits the resolution of the ITC situation, the season’s opener delivered a powerful statement: local talent is more than ready to step up.