Star imports, top rookies headline PVL Reinforced opener

Games today, Oct. 7, 2025

Ynares Center, Montalban

4 p.m. – ZUS Coffee vs. Akari

6:30 p.m. – Capital1 vs. Choco Mucho

In what promises to be a riveting showdown among teams of near-equal strength bolstered by imposing reinforcements, a strong start is paramount.

Expect fireworks right from the first serve as the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference unveils today (Tuesday) at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.

Taking center stage to showcase their revamped rosters, ZUS Coffee and Akari seek to kick off their campaigns with a bang in a 4 p.m. Pool B clash between squads seeking not only a hot start but redemption after underwhelming performances in the PVL On Tour and the Invitational Conference.

The Thunderbelles finished seventh in On Tour and last in the Invitational after stepping in at the last minute to replace Farm Fresh.

The Chargers, meanwhile, placed eighth in On Tour.

This makes their opener a compelling matchup, especially with ZUS Coffee’s new weapon — American import Anna DeBeer, a 5-foot-11 outside hitter from the University of Louisville who recently saw action for the Indy Ignite in the Major Volleyball League.

DeBeer made an immediate impact in her first pro stint, tallying 172 points built on 148 attacks, 17 blocks, and seven aces, while also recording 110 digs on defense.

Adding to the Thunderbelles’ firepower is Thea Gagate, who returns to the roster after suiting up for Alas Pilipinas.

With her back in the fold, ZUS Coffee eyes not just a win over the Chargers but a strong run in the group, which also includes Chery Tiggo, Creamline, Galeries Tower, and Petro Gazz.

But Akari won’t go down without a fight.

The Chargers will be bannered by American import Annie Mitchem, a 31-year-old journeyman who last played for Jakarta Livin Mandiri and has also seen action in Italy, Turkey, and Brazil after a standout collegiate stint at the University of Hawaii.

Mitchem will be supported by a potent local core that includes Ivy Lacsina, Gretchel Soltones, Eli Soyud, Faith Nisperos, Steph Bustrillo, and Chenie Tagaod, along with middles Ced Domingo, Ezra Madrigal, and Fifi Sharma.

At 6:30 p.m., the spotlight shifts to Pool A as Choco Mucho and Capital1 square off in another high-impact match between teams eager to launch their campaigns on a winning note.

The Flying Titans are looking to rebound from a disappointing 10th-place finish in On Tour.

This time, they’ll be reinforced by American standout Anyse Smith, who recently impressed Filipino fans with her performances for Nakhon Ratchasima QminC VC in the AVC Champions League.

The 26-year-old high-leaper is expected to play a key role in the Titans’ title chase.

Backing her are seasoned campaigners Dindin Manabat, Des Cheng, Mean Mendrez, Isa Molde, Royse Tubino, and Jen Villegas, along with a tough middle rotation featuring Cherry Nunag, Aduke Ogunsanya, and Lorraine Pecaña.

But all eyes will also be on the Capital1 Solar Spikers, who are drawing attention with the debut of Bella Belen, the three-time UAAP MVP and top pick of the 2025 rookie draft.

Although sidelined previously due to her commitment to Alas Pilipinas, the former NU star is now ready to unleash a more seasoned version of herself.

Belen will team up with Ukrainian import Oleksandra Bytsenko, who is tasked with filling the big shoes left by Marina Tushova, Capital1’s previous reinforcement.

After finishing 11th in On Tour, the Solar Spikers are determined to climb the ranks with help from locals Leila Cruz, Kecelyn Galdones, Roma Doromal, Rovena Instrella, Norielle Ipac, Trisha Genesis, and Sydney Niegos, among others.

The tournament, backed by ICTSI, Mikasa, Milcu, and Fabriano, features two pools of six teams, playing in a single round-robin format.

The top three teams from each group will advance to the second round, facing only the bottom three from the opposite group.

Rankings will follow the FIVB classification system: total wins, match points, set ratio, and point ratio.

After the second round, teams will be re-ranked from 1 to 12.

The bottom four will be eliminated, while the top eight move on to the quarterfinals, which will follow a 1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, 3 vs. 6, and 4 vs. 5 knockout format.

The semifinals, finals, and bronze-medal matches will also be do-or-die, one-game face-offs.