MANILA – Rookie middle blocker Alexa Miner emerged as the surprise powerhouse for ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, steering the team to its fourth consecutive victory in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference after sweeping the Petro Gazz Angels, 25-22, 25-21, 25-20, on Tuesday night at the Playtime FilOil Center in San Juan.
The 6-foot Miner, who had been playing limited minutes earlier in the season, dominated the net with 11 points built on nine attacks, two blocks, and an ace — earning her first Best Player of the Game citation and establishing herself as a rising force for the Thunderbelles.
“We prepared like we always do for every game, including studying the opponent,” said Miner. “But it’s the in-game adjustments that matter most. Everyone worked hard from start to finish.”
Miner’s timing and coverage proved instrumental in shutting down Petro Gazz imports Lindsey Vander Weide and Brooke Van Sickle, both of whom struggled to break through ZUS Coffee’s front line. Her presence allowed star hitter Anna DeBeer to find rhythm early, finishing with 23 points and sealing the victory with back-to-back kills.
Despite double-digit outputs from Vander Weide (17), Van Sickle (12), Myla Pablo (10), and MJ Phillips (9), the Angels faltered in key stretches and dropped to 3–2 in the standings, while ZUS Coffee solidified its hold of the Pool B lead at 4–0.
Meanwhile, in other matches, Negrense spiker Christine Joy Soyud led Akari Power Chargers to a sweep of Galeries Tower Highrisers, 25-11, 25-23, 25-23, with 12 points, including three aces. Import Annie Mitchem added 14 points, while Marionne “Mars” Alba tallied 19 excellent sets and four points to bag Player of the Game honors.
Defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers also returned to form, beating the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in four sets, 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-17, behind Jeanette Panaga’s 16-point performance./PN
