The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles look to find better balance and execution as they face the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles return to action, still searching for traction, as they take on PLDT in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
At 1-4, the Thunderbelles know the standings do not reflect how competitive some of their recent outings have been.
ZUS Coffee stayed within reach in several stretches but has struggled to sustain control when sets tighten, an issue the team is keen to address moving forward.
One constant for the Thunderbelles has been Chinnie Arroyo, who continues to provide a steady scoring presence, ranking 10th in scoring in the league.
But ZUS Coffee knows easing the pressure on Arroyo will be key moving forward.
Support has come from Riza Nogales and Thea Gagate, who have provided presence at the net, while Jovelyn Gonzaga, Rachel Anne Daquis, and Fiola Ceballos look to contribute more consistently on the wings.
Setter Cloanne Mondonedo remains central in organizing the offense and keeping multiple options involved.
Against a deep PLDT side, ZUS Coffee understands the need for cleaner first touches, better coverage, and more reliable secondary scoring.
The Thunderbelles are less focused on the matchup on paper and more on putting together a steadier, more connected performance as the All-Filipino moves along.
The match will begin at 6:30 p.m.
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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.