ZUS Coffee continued their dominant form in the PVL Reinforced Conference, holding off Choco Mucho for a 25-20, 25-22, 24-26, 25-19 victory at the Candon City Arena Saturday, November 9. The Thunderbelles extended their winning streak to six games, moving closer to a potential two-round prelims sweep that would guarantee the top seed in the quarterfinals.

Chinnie Arroyo shone in the fourth set, delivering a string of clutch points with a mix of through-the-block hits, clever off-the-block attacks, and a decisive rejection of Kat Tolentino’s attempt to swing the momentum. Her efforts helped ZUS Coffee close the match in style, thrilling fans and frustrating the Flying Titans.

Despite a late resurgence from Choco Mucho in the third set, sparked by bench player Royse Tubino and a tactical all-Filipino lineup, ZUS Coffee quickly regained control. Import Anna DeBeer had a rare misstep that allowed Choco Mucho to claim the third set, but she bounced back in the fourth alongside Arroyo and middle blocker Riza Nogales to secure the win.

Thunderbelles’ depth and discipline shine

Cloanne Mondonedo was a key stabilizer for ZUS Coffee, delivering 26 excellent sets while keeping her team composed in high-pressure moments. DeBeer contributed 20 points, showing consistency with powerful spikes and clutch hits, while Arroyo and Nogales added 11 markers each. Jovelyn Gonzaga and AC Miner chipped in with 10 points apiece, reinforcing the Thunderbelles’ balanced attack.

ZUS Coffee outpaced Choco Mucho in attacks, 60-45, although the Flying Titans held a slight edge at the net with 18 total blocks, including a career-high 10 from Maddie Madayag. Choco Mucho’s top scorers included Madayag with 18 points, Des Cheng with 12, and Isa Molde with 11. Marlee Smith contributed seven points, and Kat Tolentino and Tubino added six and five, respectively.

The match featured several electric moments, including Choco Mucho’s second-set rally from 12-21 to 20-21 behind Tolentino and Deanna Wong. ZUS Coffee responded with DeBeer’s back-row kill and key blocks by Thea Gagate to restore control, showcasing the Thunderbelles’ poise under pressure.

The victory keeps ZUS Coffee firmly in contention for the top seed, while Choco Mucho remains in ninth place, struggling to rebound in the latter half of the preliminaries. The Thunderbelles’ disciplined, deep roster and ability to execute in clutch moments make them the team to beat as the PVL Reinforced Conference approaches its quarterfinal stage.