ZUS Coffee, PLDT chase quarterfinal spots in Candon

Candon City in Ilocos Sur once again hosts top-tier volleyball action as the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) returns with two high-stakes matches today, November 8, 2025.

The PVL Reinforced Conference road series features title contenders looking to lock in quarterfinal slots against teams fighting to stay alive in the tournament.

Headlining the action at 6:30 p.m. inside the Candon City Arena are the unbeaten ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, aiming for their sixth consecutive win against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.

The Thunderbelles are coming off a dramatic come-from-behind win over the Akari Chargers last Tuesday, completing a sweep of the preliminary phase’s first leg.

Coach Jerry Yee’s squad enters the game with confidence and composure, backed by strong performances and growing fan support.

American import Anna DeBeer continues to anchor ZUS Coffee’s campaign with her lethal offense and on-court leadership.

She is joined by a young but fiery supporting cast that includes AC Miner, Riza Nogales, Thea Gagate, Chinnie Arroyo, Mycah Go, Cloane Mondonedo, and Alyssa Eroa.

The roster also boasts veterans Jovelyn Gonzaga and Fiola Ceballos, who provide poise and championship experience.

A win today secures ZUS Coffee a spot in the Last 8 and keeps their perfect record intact in the year-end tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by ICTSI, Milcu, Mikasa, and Fabriano.

However, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans enter the match with desperation, having lost two straight games, including a straight-sets defeat to the Capital1 Solar Spikers.

Led by American reinforcement Marlee Smith, Choco Mucho has flashed elite potential but faltered in closing tight sets.

Their local core—composed of Isa Molde, Maddie Madayag, Kat Tolentino, Cherry Nunag, Des Cheng, and Royse Tubino—must now rise to the occasion.

Sitting at 2-3 and in 10th place, the Titans must sweep their final three matches to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive.

Facing the tournament’s hottest team in a packed arena adds urgency to their must-win scenario.

Earlier at 4:00 p.m., the PLDT High Speed Hitters will face off against the Galeries Tower Highrisers in another crucial battle.

PLDT holds a 4-1 record and is gunning for a rare sweep of all three PVL conference titles this season.

A win would virtually seal their quarterfinal spot and maintain momentum heading into the next round.

With Serbian import Anastasiia Bavykina and Canadian Savi Davison leading the charge, PLDT has been one of the league’s most consistent squads.

Veterans Kim Dy, Majoy Baron, Dell Palomata, and rising star Alleiah Malaluan add depth and firepower to the High Speed Hitters’ stacked lineup.

But Galeries Tower, though winless at 0-5, remains determined to make a statement and possibly play spoiler.

Jelene Cvijovic, Ysa Jimenez, Jean Asis, Dimdim Pacres, and Roselle Baliton will look to bring grit and surprise PLDT in front of a passionate Ilocano crowd.

Despite their record, the Highrisers have shown flashes of promise and will try to convert that into results.

With just days left in the elimination round, every win counts as teams jostle for the final quarterfinal slots.

This edition of the Reinforced Conference has already seen dramatic upsets and momentum swings, proving that no lead or record is safe.

As volleyball fever sweeps Candon again, fans are set for another electric showcase of elite athleticism and hometown pride.

The PVL last visited Candon in July, drawing strong crowds and reinforcing the city’s reputation as a volleyball-loving destination.

Today’s double-header promises to deliver that same energy, drama, and top-level competition as the road to the quarterfinals heats up.