Anna DeBeer says ZUS Coffee is treating the quarterfinals as a “fresh start,” believing the Thunderbelles are ready to deliver even higher-level volleyball.
Expect Anna DeBeeer and the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles to turn things up a notch even further as they head into the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals.
The Thunderbelles wrapped up its group stage campaign with a sweep of the Nxled Chameleons, 25-13, 25-21, 25-21, on Tuesday, November 18, at the Ynares Center Montalban.
But more than the victory alone, DeBeer, who put up another all-around outing of 16 points and 11 digs, saw their final preliminary match as a way to reset the team’s mindset for the battles that truly matter.
“It’s like a fresh start, nothing matters at this point,” DeBeer said during the post-game press conference. “Our mindset now is to take it one game at a time. We’re all focused on the quarterfinals, and I think our team is definitely ready.”
High-pressure stage, higher expectations
With the elimination round behind them, DeBeer expects the intensity to spike come the knockout round. Still, the American import believes that ZUS Coffee is built for exactly for those types of situations.
“In high-pressure games and high-pressure tournaments, it’s going to be exciting volleyball,” she said. “That level of competitiveness brings out the best in everyone. Expect great volleyball — fun rallies, exciting plays.”
[ALSO READ: How ZUS Coffee transformed from PVL underdogs to legit title contenders]
A different hero every night
A defining strength of ZUS Coffee’s Reinforced run has been its balance.
Whether it’s DeBeer, AC Miner, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Chinnie Arroyo, Riza Nogales, or any of their locals, someone always steps up.
Anna DeBeer and the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. | Photo: PVL
That has led to the Thunderbelles' best record yet in the PVL at 7-1.
“Every game, somebody different is stepping up, and that’s what makes us successful,” DeBeer shared. “It takes the load off certain players in certain moments. Like tonight, AC really did well. On any given day, it’s going to be somebody else.”
For now, ZUS Coffee will have to await their final seeding come the quarterfinals, depending on the final games of the PLDT High Speed Hitters and Farm Fresh Foxies.
You can watch the exciting games of the PVL on the Pilipinas Live app or go to pilipinaslive.com.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.