From a last-minute entry to the spotlight, the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles make their Invitationals debut against guest team Kobe Shinwa University to open a loaded PVL triple-header.
The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles were not slated to be here.
Yet on Saturday afternoon, they will step onto the court at PhilSports Arena with a chance to turn a last-minute lifeline into a statement, opening their 2025 PVL Invitational campaign against guest team Kobe Shinwa University out of Japan.
ZUS Coffee entered the tournament after Japan’s Kurashiki Ablaze had to withdraw because of a compliance issue involving head coach Hideo Suzuki.
[ALSO READ: Here’s why ZUS Coffee will replace Kurashiki in 2025 PVL Invitational]
This opened the door for ZUS Coffee, a squad slowly carving out its place in the league.
The Thunderbelles reached the quarterfinals in both of their previous conferences this year — first in the All-Filipino, then in the On Tour, where they bowed to eventual champion PLDT High Speed Hitters. Those results showed flashes of promise but left the team still searching for a breakthrough moment.
That chance has now come on short notice and despite the unexpected call-up, the Thunderbelles are determined to prove they belong in a field that includes local powerhouses Creamline, Cignal, PLDT and Chery Tiggo.
Veteran hitter Jovelyn Gonzaga is expected to anchor the squad, while Chai Troncoso and Chinnie Arroyo will be counted on to generate points against a Kobe Shinwa side also making its tournament debut.
First serve is at 1:30 p.m.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | ZUS Coffee joins top four PVL teams, Kobe Shinwa in Invitational tilt]
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]