PVL on Tour: ZUS Coffee staves off Akari comeback bid in Isabela

ZUS Coffee celebrates scoring a point against Akari in the PVL on Tour in Ilagan, Isabela.–PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — ZUS Coffee foiled Akari, 25-11, 25-23. 26-28, 25-17, to win the PVL on Tour Ilagan, Isabela stop on Wednesday at Capital Arena.

Despite the 14-point domination in the first set, the Thunderbelles had to stave off a comeback threat by the Chargers, tied at 15 in the fourth. Rachel Anne Daquis came to the rescue and nailed the timely hits before AC Miner widened their gap to 23-17.

ZUS Coffee sealed the win with two straight attack errors from Eli Soyud and Kamille Cal to bring home P100,000 in its first preseason match.

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Soyud led the Chargers’ comeback in the third, with the veteran opposite spiker keeping their foes within striking distance until Ancheta’s ace and Chen Tagaod’s clutch hit put them at set point, 24-23.

Zam Nolasco saved three set points for ZUS Coffee, but Ivy Lacsina joined the party and put Akari ahead, 27-26, followed by Kate Santiago’s attack error to force another set. 

In the second set, Soyud scored four straight points, followed by a drop ball by newcomer Shar Ancheta to keep ZUS Coffee within two, 20-18. Santiago restored the order and sent the Thunderbelles to set point, 24-21, but her next attempt was blocked by Kamille Cal, while Soyud made it a one-point game, 24-23, but her next attack went wide, as ZUS Coffee took a two-set lead.

READ: PVL: Risa Sato joins Akari ahead of new season

Akari won’t go empty-handed with P50,000.

The Thunderbelles play in Batangas City next, battling the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Saturday.

Akari also faces Choco Mucho on August 1 in Polomolok, South Cotabato.