Games on July 25

(Vigan, Ilocos Sur)

4 p.m. – Nxled vs Capital1

6:30 p.m. – PLDT vs Choco Mucho

ZUS Coffee continued to showcase the promise of its retooled roster, drawing strong contributions from its established veterans and new recruits as it swept an undermanned Choco Mucho side, 25-14, 25-20, 25-23, to seize the early solo lead in the PVL On Tour Saturday at the Batangas City Sports Center.

Coming off a four-set victory over Akari in Wednesday’s tournament opener in Ilagan, Isabela, the Thunderbelles looked even sharper in their second outing, displaying improved cohesion, balanced scoring and relentless defense to improve to 2-0 in the six-week preseason tournament that brings the league to volleyball-loving provinces and key cities across the country.

Coach Jerry Yee’s squad dictated the tempo from the outset, overwhelming the Flying Titans with its depth while getting quality minutes and production from virtually every player sent onto the floor. The Thunderbelles also asserted their dominance at the net throughout the match, using their power and consistency to control the action from start to finish.

“Hindi naman ata kumpleto ‘yung mga teams, pero kami we’re trying to practice our rotations so marami kaming bago, marami kaming bagong additions so we’d like to practice and give them some playing time,” said Yee.

No Thunderbelle reached double figures, but ZUS Coffee showcased its depth with nine players contributing at least five points. Chinnie Arroyo paced the balanced attack with nine points, while Jovelyn Gonzaga and rookie Alyanna Ong chipped in eight markers apiece.

After erupting for 14 points against the Chargers, Sam Nolasco was limited to five points, yet the Thunderbelles hardly missed a beat as Rachel Anne Daquis and Jolina dela Cruz added six points each, while Kate Santiao, Riza Nogales and AC Miner also finished with five markers apiece.

Although Choco Mucho held a slim edge in attacks, 40-38, ZUS Coffee made its points count in other areas, overwhelming the Flying Titans at the net with a commanding 17-4 advantage in blocks.

The Thunderbelles also capitalized on Choco Mucho’s unforced errors, scoring 18 points off miscues while conceding just 12, proving that their well-distributed offense and disciplined execution more than compensated for the slight deficit in attacking points.

Caitlyn Viray and Des Cheng led Choco Mucho with 12 and 10 points, respectively, but received little support as the Flying Titans struggled to sustain their offense without Eya Laure, Sisi Rondina and Kat Tolentino.

The Thunderbelles looked headed for an even easier finish after building a 22-17 lead in the third set before Choco Mucho uncorked a spirited 5-0 run to draw level.

Dela Cruz quickly restored order with a timely attack, although Viray answered to knot the score once more and briefly raised hopes of extending the match.

But after a long exchange of powerful attacks and scrambling floor defense, dela Cruz delivered another clutch kill before AC Miner sealed the victory with a block on Des Cheng, touching off a celebration as ZUS Coffee completed the straight-set triumph in one hour and 16 minutes.

The Thunderbelles also showed resilience in the second set after falling behind 0-4. Gonzaga sparked the comeback with a well-placed drop ball before ZUS Coffee unleashed a sustained run built on disciplined defense and efficient offense to wrest control.

Choco Mucho struggled to generate consistent attacks against ZUS Coffee’s solid floor coverage and net defense, allowing the Thunderbelles to take a commanding two-set lead. Back-to-back Flying Titans miscues in the closing stretch – a net violation by Lorraine Pecaña on Nolasco’s attack followed by a four-touch violation off dela Cruz’s hit – handed ZUS Coffee the set.

The Thunderbelles had earlier dominated the opening frame, capitalizing on Choco Mucho’s shaky start as the Flying Titans continued to adjust to their depleted roster following the offseason.

Choco Mucho opened the third set with renewed energy, stringing together six straight points after conceding the opening two markers. Ong halted the run before the teams engaged in a tightly contested exchange.

Viray carried much of the offensive load for the Flying Titans, while Nolasco impressed with a varied attack highlighted by an ace that gave Choco Mucho a 9-7 advantage.

Despite staying within striking distance for most of the set, the Flying Titans eventually ran out of answers as ZUS Coffee’s superior depth proved decisive.