Choco Mucho spoils Bella Belen PVL debut; ZUS Coffee survives Akari in 5

RIZAL, Philippines, October 8 ------ Fringe PVL contenders Choco Mucho and ZUS Coffee rolled to contrasting wins to cap off a controversial 2025 Reinforced Conference opening-day slate at the Ynares Center Montalban in Rodriguez, Rizal, on Tuesday, October 7.

The Flying Titans spoiled the highly anticipated pro league debut of NU legend and No. 1 rookie pick Bella Belen by way of a tight 33-31, 26-24, 25-23 sweep of the Capital1 Solar Spikers to enter the win column in Pool A action.

Meanwhile, the Thunderbelles survived reigning silver medalist Akari in a five-set affair, 24-26, 25-23, 17-25, 26-24, 15-7, highlighted by a 9-0 romp to end the match and a controversial delayed tip-off due to withheld import clearances from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.

Returning Alas Pilipinas middle blocker Maddie Madayag came up clutch with the match-winning blocks for 5 points, while fellow returnee Kat Tolentino led the way with 15 points off 12 attacks, 2 blocks, and 1 ace to offset Belen’s game-high 20-point bomb. Deanna Wong rounded out the winning offense with 21 excellent sets as Isa Molde added 14 markers.

In the curtain-raiser, Alyssa Eroa anchored the defense with 22 excellent digs and 21 excellent receptions, Clo Mondoñedo steered the offense with 28 excellent sets, while Riza Nogales led five ZUS Coffee players in double-digit scoring with 15 points. Eli Soyud led all scorers in the loss with 22 points, new setter Mars Alba tossed 24 excellent sets, and Alas libero Justine Jazareno churned out a game-high 32 excellent digs.

Source: rappler.com