Zus Coffee Thunderbelles

Zus Coffee Thunderbelles
Short nameZus Coffee
NicknameThunderbelles
Founded2024
OwnerStrong Group Athletics
Head coachJerry Yee
CaptainCloanne Mondoñedo
LeaguePremier Volleyball League
2025 PVL on Tour7th place

The Zus Coffee Thunderbelles (stylized as ZUS Coffee) are a professional women's volleyball team in the Philippines competing in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL). The team is owned by Strong Group Athletics, founded by Frank Lao, who has a stake in the Malaysian-based coffee chain Zus Coffee.[1]

The team made their team debut in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference under the name Strong Group Athletics following the organization's acquisition of the Quezon City Gerflor Defenders franchise. The Thunderbelles are one of two teams owned by SGA, the other being the Farm Fresh Foxies.

History

The Strong Group Athletics reportedly helped Premier Volleyball League club Quezon City Gerflor Defenders resolve its player salary issue[2] which was first reported in November 2023, during the 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference.[3][4][5] Gerflor would be effectively disbanded after the tournament.[6]

In January 2023, it was announced that the Strong Group would be taking over Gerflor's franchise. It was Strong Group's second PVL team, the first being the Farm Fresh Foxies.[2][7] They made their PVL debut at the 2024 All-Filipino Conference.[8] Interim coach Rogelio Getigan led the team under the name "Strong Group Athletics" in their first tournament.[9][10]

In May 2024 in the lead up to the Reinforced Invitational Conference, Strong Group rebranded as Zus Coffee Thunderbelles and will take effect at the upcoming PVL conference after made a partnership with Zus Coffee. The team also announced coach Jerry Yee as the new head coach.[11]

Names

Current roster

Main article: 2025 Premier Volleyball League on Tour
Zus Coffee Thunderbelles roster
No. Nat. Player Pos. Height DOB From
1 Philippines Mycah Go Outside Hitter (2002-04-15) April 15, 2002 St. Benilde
3 Philippines Thea Gagate Middle Blocker 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) (2000-07-06) July 6, 2000 De La Salle
4 Philippines Kate Santiago Outside Hitter 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) (2002-01-26) January 26, 2002 Adamson
5 Philippines Glaudine Troncoso Outside Hitter 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in) (1997-10-13) October 13, 1997 Central Philippine
6 Philippines Julia Angeles Libero 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in) (1998-09-01) September 1, 1998 Letran
8 Philippines Cloanne Mondoñedo (C) Setter 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) (2000-11-16) November 16, 2000 St. Benilde
9 Philippines Gayle Pascual Opposite Hitter 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) (1999-09-03) September 3, 1999 St. Benilde
10 Philippines Chinnie Pia Arroyo Outside Hitter 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) (2001-05-19) May 19, 2001 National-U
12 Philippines Renee Mabilangan Setter 1.66 m (5 ft 5 in) (2000-12-29) December 29, 2000 National-U
13 Philippines Sharya Ancheta Middle Blocker 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in) (1999-11-25) November 25, 1999 Adamson
14 Philippines Dolly Versoza Outside Hitter 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) (1998-03-10) March 10, 1998 José Rizal
15 Philippines Alexis Ciarra Miner Middle Blocker (2003-01-21) January 21, 2003 Ateneo
16 Philippines Alyssa Eroa Libero 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) (1996-09-06) September 6, 1996 San Sebastian
17 Philippines Fiola Ceballos Outside Hitter 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) (1994-06-21) June 21, 1994 Central Philippine
18 Philippines Danivah Sheilo Aying Opposite Hitter 1.67 m (5 ft 6 in) (2001-03-31) March 31, 2001 USJ–R
19 Philippines Rizza Nogales Middle Blocker (2002-12-03) December 3, 2002 UE
21 Philippines Jovelyn Gonzaga Opposite Hitter 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) (1991-10-31) October 31, 1991 Central Philippine
24 Philippines Maika Ortiz Middle Blocker 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) (1991-08-30) August 30, 1991 UST

Previous roster

2024-25
PVL on Tour
Main article: 2025 Premier Volleyball League on Tour
Zus Coffee Thunderbelles roster
No. Nat. Player Pos. Height DOB From
1 Philippines Mycah Go Outside Hitter (2002-04-15) April 15, 2002 St. Benilde
3 Philippines Thea Gagate Middle Blocker 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) (2000-07-06) July 6, 2000 De La Salle
4 Philippines Kate Santiago Outside Hitter 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) (2002-01-26) January 26, 2002 Adamson
5 Philippines Glaudine Troncoso Outside Hitter 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in) (1997-10-13) October 13, 1997 Central Philippine
6 Philippines Julia Angeles Libero 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in) (1998-09-01) September 1, 1998 Letran
8 Philippines Cloanne Mondoñedo (C) Setter 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) (2000-11-16) November 16, 2000 St. Benilde
9 Philippines Gayle Pascual Opposite Hitter 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) (1999-09-03) September 3, 1999 St. Benilde
10 Philippines Chinnie Pia Arroyo Outside Hitter 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) (2001-05-19) May 19, 2001 National-U
12 Philippines Renee Mabilangan Setter 1.66 m (5 ft 5 in) (2000-12-29) December 29, 2000 National-U
13 Philippines Sharya Ancheta Middle Blocker 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in) (1999-11-25) November 25, 1999 Adamson
14 Philippines Dolly Versoza Outside Hitter 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) (1998-03-10) March 10, 1998 José Rizal
15 Philippines Alexis Ciarra Miner Middle Blocker (2003-01-21) January 21, 2003 Ateneo
16 Philippines Alyssa Eroa Libero 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) (1996-09-06) September 6, 1996 San Sebastian
17 Philippines Fiola Ceballos Outside Hitter 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) (1994-06-21) June 21, 1994 Central Philippine
18 Philippines Danivah Sheilo Aying Opposite Hitter 1.67 m (5 ft 6 in) (2001-03-31) March 31, 2001 USJ–R
19 Philippines Rizza Nogales Middle Blocker (2002-12-03) December 3, 2002 UE
21 Philippines Jovelyn Gonzaga Opposite Hitter 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) (1991-10-31) October 31, 1991 Central Philippine
24 Philippines Maika Ortiz Middle Blocker 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) (1991-08-30) August 30, 1991 UST
All-Filipino
Main article: 2024–25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference
Zus Coffee Thunderbelles
No. Player Position Height Birth date School
1 Philippines Michelle Gamit Middle Blocker 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) (2000-05-09) May 9, 2000 Benilde
3 Philippines Thea Gagate Middle Blocker 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) (2000-07-06) July 6, 2000 DLSU
4 Philippines Kate Santiago Outside Hitter 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) (2002-01-26) January 26, 2002 Adamson
5 Philippines Glaudine Troncoso Outside Hitter 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in) (1997-10-13) October 13, 1997 CPU
6 Philippines Julia Angeles Libero 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in) (1998-09-01) September 1, 1998 Letran
7 Philippines Jade Gentapa Outside Hitter 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) November 28, 2000 (age 23) Benilde
8 Philippines Cloanne Mondoñedo (C) Setter 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) (2000-11-16) November 16, 2000 Benilde
9 Philippines Gayle Pascual Opposite Hitter 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) September 3, 1999 (age 24) Benilde
10 Philippines Chinnie Pia Arroyo Outside Hitter 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) (2001-05-19) May 19, 2001 NU
11 Philippines Jenina Marie Zeta Libero 1.55 m (5 ft 1 in) (1999-11-12) November 12, 1999 UE
12 Philippines Joan Narit Middle Blocker 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) (2000-12-04) December 4, 2000 Ateneo
13 Philippines Sharya Ancheta Middle Blocker 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in) (1999-11-25) November 25, 1999 AdU
14 Philippines Dolly Versoza Outside Hitter 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) (1998-03-10) March 10, 1998 JRU
16 Philippines Nikka Yandoc Setter 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) (2000-01-10) January 10, 2000 AdU
18 Philippines Danivah Sheilo Aying Opposite Hitter 1.67 m (5 ft 6 in) (2001-03-31) March 31, 2001 USJ-R
21 Philippines Jovelyn Gonzaga Opposite Hitter 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) (1991-10-31) October 31, 1991 CPU
22 Philippines Ypril Tapia Outside Hitter 1.62 m (5 ft 4 in) (2001-12-15) December 15, 2001 UST
2024
Reinforced
Main article: 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference
Zus Coffee Thunderbelles
No. Player Position Height Birth date School
1 Philippines Michelle Gamit Middle Blocker 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) (2000-05-09) May 9, 2000 Benilde
3 Philippines Thea Gagate (NT) Middle Blocker 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) (2000-07-06) July 6, 2000 DLSU
6 Philippines Julia Angeles Libero 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in) (1998-09-01) September 1, 1998 Letran
7 Philippines Jade Gentapa Outside Hitter 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) November 28, 2000 (age 23) Benilde
8 Philippines Cloanne Mondoñedo (C) Setter 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) (2000-11-16) November 16, 2000 Benilde
9 Philippines Gayle Pascual Opposite Hitter 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) September 3, 1999 (age 24) Benilde
10 Philippines Dolly Versoza Outside Hitter 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) (1998-03-10) March 10, 1998 JRU
11 Philippines Jenina Marie Zeta Libero 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) (1999-11-12) November 12, 1999 UE
13 Philippines Sharya Ancheta Middle Blocker 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in) (1999-11-25) November 25, 1999 AdU
14 Philippines Jaycel Delos Reyes Middle Blocker 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) (1999-07-14) July 14, 1999 Ateneo
15 Japan Asaka Tamaru (I) Outside Hitter 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) (1998-08-04) August 4, 1998 Kyoto Sangyo University
16 Philippines Nikka Yandoc Setter 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) (2000-01-10) January 10, 2000 AdU
17 Philippines Mary Joy Onofre Middle Blocker 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) (1997-05-28) May 28, 1997 LPU
22 Philippines Ypril Tapia Outside Hitter 1.62 m (5 ft 4 in) (2001-12-15) December 15, 2001 UST
Philippines Danivah Sheilo Aying Outside Hitter 1.67 m (5 ft 6 in) USJ-R
All-Filipino
Main article: 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference
Strong Group Athletics
No. Player Position Height Birth date School
1 Philippines Valiza Fornilos Opposite Spiker 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) (2002-01-22)January 22, 2002 (aged 22) ADMU
2 Philippines Jana Sta. Maria Universal 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) (1996-08-12)August 12, 1996 (aged 27) UE
3 Philippines Melanie Romero Libero 1.67 m (5 ft 6 in) (1996-07-16)July 16, 1996 (aged 27) CSB
4 Philippines Jean Licauco Libero 1.67 m (5 ft 6 in) (2001-05-18)May 18, 2001 (aged 22) ADMU
5 Philippines Noheli Cerdeña Middle Blocker 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) (1999-01-15)January 15, 1999 (aged 25) UPSHD
6 Philippines Sarah Verutiao Setter 1.64 m (5 ft 5 in) (1996-04-25)April 25, 1996 (aged 27) AU
7 Philippines Justine Rebleza Outside Hitter 1.67 m (5 ft 6 in) (1998-11-27)November 27, 1998 (aged 25) FEU
8 Philippines Javen Sabas Outside Hitter 1.66 m (5 ft 5 in) (1999-01-31)January 31, 1999 (aged 25) PUP
9 Philippines Chumcee Caole Setter 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) (1998-07-19)July 19, 1998 (aged 25) EC
10 PhilippinesJapan Ayumi Furukawa Opposite Spiker 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) (1999-04-18)April 18, 1999 (aged 24) ADMU
11 Philippines Sheeka Espinosa Opposite Spiker 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) (1996-08-26)August 26, 1996 (aged 27) TIP
12 Philippines Vira Guillema Setter 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in) (1995-05-09)May 9, 1995 (aged 28) SSC–R
13 Philippines Jan Angeli Cane Outside Hitter 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) (2001-01-28)January 28, 2001 (aged 23) ADMU
14 Philippines Dolly Versoza (C) Outside Hitter 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) (1998-03-10)March 10, 1998 (aged 25) JRU
15 Philippines Souzan Raslan Opposite Spiker 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) (1995-01-01)January 1, 1995 (aged 29) CDSL
17 Philippines Mary Joy Onofre Middle Blocker 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) (1997-05-28)May 28, 1997 (aged 26) LPU
18 Philippines Grenlen Malapit Middle Blocker 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) (1997-08-18)August 18, 1997 (aged 26) LPU
19 Philippines Nikkie Baldizanso Middle Blocker 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) (2002-02-16)February 16, 2002 (aged 22) UP
20 Philippines Lilet Mabbayad Middle Blocker 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in) (1987-09-16)September 16, 1987 (aged 36) UST
22 Philippines Merry Rose Jauculan Universal 1.67 m (5 ft 6 in) (2000-08-11)August 11, 2000 (aged 23) UST

Season-by-season records

Season Conference Preliminary round Final round Ranking Source
2024 All-Filipino 12th (0–11, 0 pts) Did not qualify 12th place [12]
Reinforced 12th (0–8, 0 pts) Did not qualify 12th place [13]
Invitational Did not qualify
2024–25 All-Filipino 9th (4–7, 14 pts) Lost in quarterfinals vs. Petro Gazz, 1–2 7th place [14]
PVL on Tour 5th (2–3, 7 pts) (Pool A) Lost in quarterfinals vs. PLDT, 0–3* 7th place [15]
Invitational Did not qualify
An asterisk (*) indicates single match

Individual awards

Team captains

  • Philippines Dolly Verzosa (2024)
  • Philippines Cloanne Mondoñedo (2024–present)

Head coach

Imports

References

  1. ^ "Philippine's billionaire Frank Lao buys 35% stake in Malaysian coffee shop Zus". The Star. Star Media Group Bhd. March 22, 2023. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Dannug, Jonash (January 13, 2024). "SGA takes over Gerflor in PVL". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  3. ^ "PVL probes Gerflor over allegations of delayed salaries, mistreatment". Spin.ph. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  4. ^ "PVL puts Gerflor under investigation". Tiebreaker Times. November 9, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  5. ^ Agcaoili, Lance (November 9, 2023). "Gerflor team playing through low morale in PVL amid financial woes". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  6. ^ Dukha, Angel III (December 31, 2023). "Acaylar, disbanded Gerflor squad await their fates". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  7. ^ "Strong Group joins PVL, takes over Gerflor franchise". GMA News. January 13, 2024. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  8. ^ Garcia, John Mark (February 21, 2024). "Versoza thankful to SGA for giving PVL chance to players 'without connections'". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  9. ^ "Jerry Yee takes helm, picks up Benilde seniors to form Zus Coffee". Tiebreaker Times. May 27, 2024. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
  10. ^ Bautista, Ohmer (February 15, 2024). "PVL: SGA tempers expectations with All-Filipino Conference lineup". One Sports. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
  11. ^ "PVL: Strong Group rebrands as Zus Coffee Thunderbelles and with Jerry Yee as new coach". One Sports. May 27, 2024. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
  12. ^ "Akari cruises past Strong Group, finishes 7th". Premier Volleyball League. April 27, 2024. Archived from the original on April 27, 2024. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  13. ^ "Creamline clinches No.3 seed, clobbers ZUS Coffee". Premier Volleyball League. August 22, 2024. Archived from the original on August 22, 2024. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  14. ^ "Petro Gazz stays cool under fire to sweep Zus Coffee, completes semis cast". Premier Volleyball League. March 25, 2025. Archived from the original on March 25, 2025. Retrieved March 25, 2025.
  15. ^ "PLDT cruises to semis behind Davison's return, net dominance". Retrieved August 7, 2025.
  16. ^ "Kurashiki's Asaka Tamaru to strengthen Zus Coffee". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 25, 2024.
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