Anna DeBeer finally got to show what she’s capable of and led ZUS Coffee past Chery Tiggo EV, 25-15, 19-25, 25-20, 25-23, in the PVL Reinforced Conference on Saturday at Dasmariñas Arena.
DeBeer, who was forced to sit out the Thunderbelles’ win over the Akari Chargers last Tuesday’s opener due to the dispute over the International Transfer Certificates, which has since been resolved, unleashed 35 kills with an ace and a block to boot on top of 14 excellent receptions.
‘This has just been incredible for a first game. I really had no expectations coming here. And just to see how everyone gets behind us in the environment, it’s so fun to play in. And that really just helps everyone play better. I really think it’s a fun place to play at,’ said DeBeer.
ZUS Coffee notched its first victory in Pool B after the league decided to replay its opening day doubleheader, citing ‘spirit of fairness, competitive parity, and delivering the best possible experience’ for the fans.
DeBeer, the University of Louisville product, came just a point shy of matching Farm Fresh import Eli Rousseaux for the most points scored this conference.
‘That was all them. They stayed composed. We didn’t need to rally or anything. Sure, you talk to them and give tips, but they handled it on their own,’ said ZUS Coffee coach Jerry Yee in Filipino. AC Miner added 13 points, highlighted by three blocks, while Clo Mondoñedo dished out 22 excellent sets and libero Alyssa Eroa had 12 excellent receptions and 11 digs for the Thunderbelles.
ZUS Coffee eyes a second win against Galeries on Tuesday, 4 p.m. at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Mylene Paat returned for Chery Tiggo after being away for more than a year due to an undisclosed injury. She scored six points off the bench.
Cuban import Yunieska Batista led the Crossovers with 22 points, while Ara Galang had 15 points.
Chery Tiggo hopes to bounce back against Akari also on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.