NCAA MVP Zam Nolaco shines in pro debut as ZUS turns back Akari in PVL On Tour opener

Zam Nolasco could not have asked for a better start to her professional career, starring in ZUS Coffee's 25-11, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17 triumph over Akari in the 2026 PVL On Tour on Wednesday in Ilagan, Isabela.

The reigning NCAA MVP from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde finished with 15 points built on 11 attacks and four blocks in an impressive first outing as a full-fledged professional. Nolasco had previously suited up for Farm Fresh in 2023, but only as a guest player.

The 6-foot-1 middle blocker got huge help from her veterans with AC Miner also erupting for 15 points while Jolina Dela Cruz, another offseason recruit for the Thunderbelles, made a huge impact with 12 points and 13 receptions.

ZUS Coffee raced to a 7-0 start in the second set and eventually built a 20-13 cushion before Akari answered with a 10-4 run to trim the deficit to just one, 24-23. However, Eli Soyud's attack from the opposite sailed long, allowing the Thunderbelles to escape with the set and seize a commanding 2-0 lead.

Akari mounted another comeback in Set 3, turning a 20-14 deficit to a 24-23 lead thanks to a kill from Chenie Tagaod. Three straight kills from Nolasco then allowed ZUS to force three deadlocks, but an Ivy Lacsina kill and a Kate Santiago error completed a 28-26 win for Akari.

ZUS Coffee got off to a slow start in the fourth set as Akari kept things tight and even pulled within one, 18-17. But the Thunderbelles unleashed a wild 7-0 closing run capped by another infraction from Akari's side to seal the four-set victory.

Soyud led Akari with 16 points while Lacsina had nine markers and 11 digs.

—JKC, GMA News