Riza Nogales proving to be the steal of the draft after playing a key role in ZUS Coffee’s unbeaten run

The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles are off to a brilliant start in the ongoing 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference, going unbeaten in the first phase with a perfect 5–0 record.

While the Thunderbelles’ success has been a collective effort, one player who has stood out is Riza Nogales, the 25th overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft. Despite coming off the bench for most of the tournament, Nogales has consistently delivered when her team needed her most.

The former University of the East standout anchored the Thunderbelles’ defense and played a key role in their thrilling 23–25, 22–25, 25–23, 25–12, 15–7 comeback win over the Akari Chargers, sealing a perfect first-round sweep on Tuesday, November 4, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

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Nogales finished with 10 points, including four of ZUS Coffee’s 10 kill blocks, earning praise from fans and analysts who have dubbed her one of the steals of this year’s Rookie Draft.

‘I LOVE YOU, GUYS’ ☕️

An overwhelmed Riza Nogales talks about the love and support she’s received from volleyball fans, hyping her rookie campaign with ZUS Coffee up as well as throwing her name in the mix for an Alas Pilipinas callup. #PVL2025 #PVLReinforced @spinph pic.twitter.com/SaUWqG1Nwb

— John Mark Garcia (@johnmarkdg_) November 4, 2025

“Yun nga po, malaking bagay po sa’kin ‘yung binibigay na tiwala ng coaches and mga ate sa loob. Lalo kapag ‘yung mga times na may error ako, malaking bagay na pang-boost sa’kin ‘yung pag-lift up nila sa’kin sa loob. Ayun lang, dun ako kumukuha ng lakas para mag-perform,” Nogales said in the post-match press conference.

“Siguro ano lang sa’kin, one game at a time sa’kin. Every game kailangan maghanda, ‘yung mindset na laging ready kahit ‘di man ipasok,” she added.

ZUS Coffee’s unbeaten run placed them at No. 1 in their pool and atop the overall standings of the Reinforced Conference. The PVL has released the full schedule for the second round of eliminations, where the top teams from Pools A and B will battle for semifinal berths.

Nogales will look to build on her strong start and continue making the most of her opportunities when the Thunderbelles face the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Saturday, November 8, at the Candon City Arena.

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