AC Miner, ZUS Coffee Stay Composed Amid Chaos, Rally to Opening-Day Win Against Akari

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by Cristian Andal

ZUS rookie AC Miner shines in their opening win in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
ZUS rookie AC Miner (15) shines in their opening win in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. Photo: PVL Images.

Even without their prized import Anna DeBeer, ZUS Coffee proved that grit and teamwork can brew something special. 

The Thunderbelles shook off early setbacks to outlast the Akari Chargers in a thrilling five-set Pool B duel, 24-26, 25-23, 17-25, 26-24, 15-7, as the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference opened with a bang Tuesday night at the Ynares Center in Montalban.

What made the victory even sweeter was how ZUS Coffee thrived despite missing their American reinforcement. With Akari also playing without an import, ZUS refused to let uncertainty rattle them, instead turning to a balanced attack that saw six players scoring in double digits.

Rookie middle blocker AC Miner was a quiet force in the middle, finishing with 10 points while anchoring the crucial fourth-set rally that kept ZUS alive. After the game, she spoke about the team’s mindset:

“We just played with what we had,” Miner said. “Pareho kaming walang reinforcement, so patas naman. Sayang wala si Anna (DeBeer), pero ginawa namin ‘yung best namin para manalo.”

ZUS import Anna DeBeer.
ZUS import Anna DeBeer. Photo: Essentially Sports.

The absence of imports stemmed from a delay in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation’s endorsement of International Transfer Certificates (ITCs), which left several clubs shorthanded. Aside from DeBeer and Akari’s Annie Michem, teams like Capital1 and Choco Mucho were also affected. The situation even sidelined Fil-Am stars such as Tia Andaya, Brooke Van Sickle, and MJ Phillips, all waiting for ITC clearance before they could take the court.

Still, Miner emphasized that the challenge only strengthened their chemistry. “We’ve been adjusting since the start of the conference prep,” she said. “Mas nagtiwala kami sa isa’t isa, and it showed today.”

For ZUS Coffee, the opening win wasn’t just about points or standings — it was a statement. A reminder that even without their star import, this team can grind, rally, and finish strong. If the Thunderbelles can maintain this poise when DeBeer finally joins the mix, the rest of the PVL better be ready — because ZUS Coffee’s just getting warmed up.