ZUS Coffee acquires ex-Chery Tiggo players Robles, Verdeflor

Karen Verdeflor (left) and Cess Robles

PVL Media Bureau

MANILA, Philippines — Fresh from its best performance in the Premier Volleyball League thus far, ZUS Coffee has acquired a pair of players that it hopes would be keys that would unlock the championship puzzle.

“We have Robles and Karen in our team,” ZUS coach Jerry Yee told The STAR Tuesday, referring to outside hitter Cess Robles and libero Karen Verdeflor, who were tabbed after their former team, Chery Tiggo, recently disbanded.

The arrival of Robles and Verdeflor should further beef up an already formidable ZUS roster that includes Thea Gagate, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Alexis Miner, Alyssa Eroa, Fiola Ceballos and Riza Nogales.

That same core has pushed the Thunderbelles just a victory closer from claiming their breakthrough PVL crown before ending up as runner-up to eventual Reinforced Conference champions in the Petro Gazz Angels.

It was the best finish by the Strong Group Athletics-owned franchise since it joined the league last year.

And the future looks brighter with the arrival of Robles and Verdeflor.

“They’re great additions to the team,” said Yee.