PVL Reinforced 2025: Opening Matches Wiped, Set for Replay Amid Import Clearance Snag

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by Raymund Tamayo

Choco Mucho players celebrate a play during their win over Capital1 in one of the opening-day games of the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Choco Mucho players celebrate a play during their win over Capital1 in one of the opening-day games of the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. Photo: PVL Images.

In an unprecedented move, the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) has announced that its two opening-day games in the 2025 Reinforced Conference will be replayed, effectively resetting the slate for ZUS Coffee, Akari, Choco Mucho, and Capital1.

The decision came after all four squads were forced to compete without their foreign reinforcements due to a clearance delay involving the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF). The league described the move as being made “in the spirit of fairness, competitive balance, and respect for the fans.”

Originally, ZUS Coffee escaped with a thrilling five-set comeback over Akari (24-26, 25-23, 17-25, 26-24, 15-7), while Choco Mucho opened with a straight-sets sweep of Capital1 (33-31, 26-24, 25-23). But both outcomes have now been nullified, as the PVL confirmed that all four teams agreed to replay their matches once logistics are finalized.

According to reports, the key federation signature required for the International Transfer Certificates (ITCs) arrived early Wednesday morning, about nine hours after the opening-day double-header in Montalban wrapped up. The delay left the teams with no choice but to play import-less on opening night, throwing the competition’s balance into question.

The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles won a grueling match against the Akari Chargers during opening day, but it was now nullified.
The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles won a grueling match against the Akari Chargers during opening day, but it was now nullified. Photo: PVL Images.

ZUS Coffee’s initial win was highlighted by a collective effort, with six locals scoring in double digits led by rookie middle blocker Riza Nogales (15 points). The Thunderbelles overcame the absence of import Anna DeBeer, while Akari also missed American guest Annie Mitchem and locals Ivy Lacsina and Kamille Cal due to health setbacks.

Meanwhile, Choco Mucho’s dominant showing was anchored by Kat Tolentino’s 15-point return and Isa Molde’s steady offense. It spoiled what could have been a storybook debut for Bella Belen, who exploded for a triple-double (20 points, 18 digs, 12 receptions) in her first pro match for Capital1.

Now, those numbers go into the record books as unofficial, with the rematches set to offer a clean slate, and this time, with imports finally cleared to play.

The PVL’s decision may be unusual, but it underscores a simple truth about sport: fairness comes first. When the replays happen, fans can expect an even higher level of competition, full-strength lineups, no asterisks, and pure volleyball drama.