Shaking off an opening-set letdown, the Thunderbelles stormed back to overpower defending champion Creamline Cool Smashers, 27-29, 25-17, 25-20, 25-22, Thursday night at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan, moving a step closer to clinching a Top 3 berth in their pool.

Behind another explosive performance from import Anna DeBeer, the fast-rising franchise outplayed Creamline in nearly every department, proving that its unbeaten start is no fluke but a sign of things to come.

After erupting for 37 and 18 points in ZUS Coffee’s first two matches, DeBeer once again caught fire — torching Creamline’s defense for another 37-point explosion.

The American hitter was unstoppable from both wings, delivering a string of hits late in the pivotal third set to crush the Cool Smashers’ rally before blasting one more missile that sealed the deal and gave the team a 2-1 set lead.

ZUS Coffee shows grit in comeback win

Creamline seized early momentum in the fourth set, but ZUS Coffee clawed back from a four-point deficit to reclaim the lead, 16-15, behind another three-point flurry from DeBeer.

The Cool Smashers responded with a spirited run punctuated by Mich Gamit’s emphatic block on DeBeer’s attack to move ahead, 18-16.

ZUS Coffee stayed composed and mounted a strong 9-4 finishing run. Miner provided steady support for DeBeer, capping the surge with the final two points — a decisive putaway off a Creamline overpass and a quick strike perfectly set up from a solid reception.

“It was really tough, but it was a total team effort all the way,” said DeBeer, who also delivered 15 excellent receptions.

Still, she was quick to share the credit with her teammates. “We did a good job at the service line, and our blocking made a big difference. Staying balanced was huge for us,” she added, also acknowledging Mondonedo’s stellar play.

DeBeer’s offensive brilliance flourished through ZUS Coffee’s collective composure and commitment to balance. Anchored by the imposing frontline trio of Miner, Riza Nogales, and Thea Gagate — and orchestrated by Mondonedo’s deft playmaking — the Thunderbelles controlled the net, 10-9, disrupting Creamline’s offensive rhythm and neutralizing its vaunted wing hitters.

Thunderbelles establish contender status

ZUS Coffee also edged Creamline in attacks, 62–61. But what ultimately doomed the Cool Smashers was inconsistency, as they gave away 25 points on unforced errors while gaining only 14 off ZUS Coffee’s miscues.

Miner finished with 13 points, while Nogales added seven markers and Jovelyn Gonzaga chipped in six points. Mondonedo turned in an impressive 25-excellent set performance, upstaging counterpart Kyle Negrito, who finished with 14.

Coco Schwan scored 18 points, while Alyssa Valdez put in a 13-point showing. Tots Carlos and Pangs Panaga each had 11 markers, while Michele Gumabao tallied 10 points for Creamline, which dropped to 2-2.

Now sitting atop Pool B with a 3-0 card, ZUS Coffee has virtually secured a spot in the next round. But more than their standing, it’s the manner of their wins that’s turning heads across the league.

Against Creamline, ZUS Coffee didn’t just win a match. The Thunderbelles passed a test of character. And in doing so, they might have just unveiled the next serious contender for the PVL crown.