ZUS Coffee sweeps Capital1 to reach PVL Reinforced semifinals

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ZUS Coffee restored order in the standings, blasting past Capital1 in a commanding 25-14, 25-20, 25-18 sweep to clinch the third semifinal berth in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference at the Araneta Coliseum on Monday, November 24.

In a showdown of elite scorers, Anna DeBeer outgunned Sasha Bytsenko, erupting for 24 points and powering the Thunderbelles to a swift 82-minute triumph. With the win, ZUS Coffee advances to the semis, awaiting the winner of the PLDT–Cignal duel for a one-game championship clash next Sunday.

Anna DeBeer powers a spike against Capital1 during the PVL Reinforced semifinals. [PVL Images]

DeBeer leads balanced Thunderbelles attack

Coach Jerry Yee emphasized cautious optimism, noting the pressure of knockout semifinals. “Happy, but then may next few games pa. One loss and you’re out, so kailangan paghandaan talaga,” he said.

Despite early jitters, DeBeer delivered a near-effortless performance with 55 percent attack efficiency, scoring four of the team’s last five points to secure the win. Playmaker Cloanne Mondonedo orchestrated the offense with 17 excellent sets, keeping DeBeer in rhythm while mixing clever deviations to dismantle Capital1’s defense.

ZUS Coffee’s victory was also fueled by veterans Jovelyn Gonzaga and AC Miner, contributing six points each, alongside Chinnie Arroyo with eight and Riza Nogales with seven. The Thunderbelles dominated attacks, 51-35, reflecting superior ball distribution and aggressive, confident play throughout the match.

A matured team rising to the occasion

Capital1 kept pace early, even taking a 7-6 lead in the third set, but ZUS Coffee leaned on composure and experience to finish strong. Bytsenko fought through knee concerns for 19 points, but her teammates were unable to maintain consistent support, leaving Capital1 struggling to match the Thunderbelles’ relentless offense.

From a struggling expansion team to semifinal contenders, ZUS Coffee has steadily climbed the PVL ranks. Their progression from last-place finishes in 2023 to consistent top-half showings culminates in this breakthrough semifinal berth, signaling a team ready for bigger stages.