BREWING PROBLEM
RODRIGUEZ, Rizal—On a day meant to showcase international talent, it was the locals who delivered the drama.
ZUS Coffee and Akari opened the PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday with thrilling five-set action at Ynares Center Montalban—but without their highly anticipated imports, who were sidelined by what the league hinted was a move by the sport’s national federation to dictate its schedule.
Though the Thunderbelles’ Anna DeBeer and the Chargers’ Annie Mitchem warmed up and were ready to suit up, both were relegated to the bench after the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) refused to endorse the International Transfer Certificates (ITCs) required for foreign players to compete.
“The PVL regrets to inform the public that the foreign guest players will not be permitted to participate in the ongoing season-ending conference until their ITCs are duly approved,” the organizing Sports Vision wrote in a statement Tuesday.
Sports Vision claimed it had submitted all necessary documentation on time—including signed clearances from players, their federations and clubs. PVL insiders believe the PNVF is using the ITC approval as leverage to force the league to end its tournament earlier, reportedly to accommodate preparations for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in December.
“The PNVF reportedly demanded that the Reinforced Conference end by Nov. 16, despite the PVL having structured the tournament to run until Nov. 27, including the finals,” the league wrote in a statement. “We already adjusted our calendar to support the national program—even moving the conference to start after the national team’s commitments concluded on Sept. 30.”
Suzara in hospital
The PVL further claimed that stakeholders are questioning the PNVF’s motives, accusing the federation of placing political control above sport development.
The Inquirer reached out to the PNVF and to the federation’s president, Ramon “Tats” Suzara, but has yet to receive a response at press time. A source said the volleyball chief was under the weather, which Suzara confirmed when he messaged the Inquirer: “I am in the hospital.”
Despite missing their reinforcements, ZUS Coffee roared back from a 1-2 set deficit to stun Akari, 24-26, 25-23, 17-25, 26-24, 15-7, in a two-hour, 32-minute marathon.
Down 6-7 in the fifth, the Thunderbelles unleashed a nine-point run, powered by Riza Nogales’ timely hits and Fiola Ceballos’ back-to-back aces.
AC Miner, who had 10 points and was instrumental in forcing a decider, admitted they missed DeBeer’s presence—but made sure to win it for her.
“Even though we prepared with Anna, and it would’ve been better if she was there so we’d be complete, we still gave it our all today,” Miner said. “Even though I only really got going near the end, I’m still thankful because everything clicked and we managed to reach the fourth and fifth sets.”
Coach Jerry Yee said the late ruling caught the team off guard, but the Thunderbelles adjusted on the fly.
“We weren’t super prepared, but it’s okay,” said Yee. “We’ve always trained with different combinations, so we just went out there and played.” INQ
Nogales led ZUS with 15 points, including five blocks. Jovelyn Gonzaga and Chinnie Arroyo added 14 each, while Ceballos and Kate Santiago chipped in 13 and 11, respectively. Setter Clo Mondoñedo tallied 28 excellent sets, and libero Alyssa Eroa anchored the defense with 22 digs and 21 receptions.
Eli Soyud fired 22 points to lead Akari, while rookie Chennie Tagaod scored 18 in her debut. Alas veterans Fifi Sharma (13 points, four blocks), Justine Jazareno (32 digs), and Mars Alba (24 excellent sets) also delivered—but fell short without Mitchem.
