MANILA — American import Anna DeBeer put on a spectacular debut performance, erupting for 37 points to power the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles to their first official win in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference with a 25-15, 19-25, 25-20, 25-23 victory over the Chery Tiggo Crossovers on Saturday at the City of Dasmariñas Arena in Cavite.
DeBeer carried much of the offensive load, delivering 35 attacks, one block, and an ace, steering the Thunderbelles to a breakthrough triumph after their previous win over Akari Power Chargers was nullified due to technicalities.
Rookie Alexa Miner provided solid support with 13 points, including 10 attacks, while Kate Santiago chipped in seven markers for coach Jerry Yee’s squad.
ZUS Coffee stormed to a commanding 15-5 lead in the fourth set and held off a late rally by Chery Tiggo before an attack error from Ponggay Gaston sealed the match.
“It’s a great feeling to finally make it count,” DeBeer said after her explosive debut that showcased her firepower on both ends of the court.
The Thunderbelles’ earlier win over Akari had been voided after the PVL decided to replay the first two matches of the conference, as those games were held without foreign reinforcements due to pending International Transfer Certificates (ITCs) from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.
For the Crossovers, Yunieka Robles-Batista tallied 25 points, while Ara Galang added 10 in a losing effort.
Meanwhile, in another thrilling encounter, the Akari Power Chargers stunned the defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers, pulling off a gritty 23-25, 25-23, 30-28, 23-25, 15-12 upset.
American import Annie Mitchem starred in her PVL debut with 34 points on 33 attacks and a block, while Christine Joy Soyud backed her up with 14 markers built on seven attacks, four service aces, and three blocks. Mereophe Sharma and Celine Domingo also finished with 13 and 12 points, respectively./PN
