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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Volleyball devider Thunderbelles out to protect pristine record; Cool Smashers eye quarters

Thunderbelles out to protect pristine record; Cool Smashers eye quarters

Published Nov 12, 2025 01:13 pm

At A Glance

  • The Thunderbelles, who already booked a spot in the quarters, eye their seventh straight victory in as many outings when they tackle the Cignal Super Spikers in the 1:30 p.m. curtain raiser, while the Cool Smashers seek their fifth win in seven games in their 6:30 p.m. tussle with sister team Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
Anna DeBeer is expected to step up anew for ZUS Coffee. (PVL Images)
Anna DeBeer is expected to step up anew for ZUS Coffee. (PVL Images)
Streaking ZUS Coffee tries to protect its pristine record while defending champion Creamlines guns for a quarterfinal berth when they clash with separate rivals on Thursday, Nov. 13, in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Thunderbelles, who already booked a spot in the quarters, eye their seventh straight victory in as many outings when they tackle the Cignal Super Spikers in the 1:30 p.m. curtain raiser, while the Cool Smashers seek their fifth win in seven games in their 6:30 p.m. tussle with sister team Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
Sandwiched between the two nail-biting matches is the 4 p.m. clash between Nxled (0-6) and Akari (3-3).
ZUS Coffee remains a force to be reckoned with, dropping just five sets across six victories to stay as the league's only unbeaten squad.
But head coach Jerry Yee and his crew know better than to get complacent, with other teams hungry to secure their own ticket to the quarters.
In their four-set triumph over the Flying Titans in Candon over the weekend, the Thunderbelles had to crank up the intensity and fight for every point, outlasting their defensive-minded rivals as Choco Mucho racked up 18 blocks to try and shut down their attack.
“Character test samin itong game na to. Okay naman yung result. Commendable yung composure nila and sana magtuluy-tuloy na,” said Yee after that winning match.
Import Anna DeBeer is expected to once again spark ZUS Coffee’s offense with her steady scoring, while local standouts Chinnie Arroyo, Jovelyn Gonzaga, AC Miner, and Riza Nogales -- all double-digit scorers in their previous outing -- look to keep the momentum rolling.
Toting a 3-3 card, Cignal, for its part, aims to keep its quarters bid alive and extend its latest four-set win over Akari with Katrin Trebhichavska, Erika Santos, Roselyn Doria and Ishie Lalongisip in front of its attack.
Meanwhile, Creamline also hopes to improve its 4-2 mark behind early quarterfinalists ZUS Coffee, PLDT and Farm Fresh and advance to the next stage.
Leaning on their latest four-set triumph over the Nxled Chameleons, the Cool Smashers are expected to flaunt their experience, depth and cohesion with Michele Gumabao, Pangs Panaga and Tots Carlos joining forces with import Coco Schwan.
Choco Mucho, sporting a 2-4 card, tries to keep its quarters hopes alive as it banks on Maddie Madayag, Isa Molde and Des Cheng along with Anyse Smith.
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