STRONG GROUP ANNOUNCES NEW PLAYERS FOR FARM FRESH, ZUS COFFEE
Strong Group on Monday unveiled the latest additions to the rosters of its Premier Volleyball League franchises, Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee, as both teams gear up for the 2026 All-Filipino Conference.
ZUS Coffee, coming off a breakthrough campaign in the previous conference, bolstered its lineup with a blend of rising stars and seasoned veterans. The Thunderbelles officially welcomed Cess Robles, Renee Peñafiel, and Karen Verdeflor, along with experienced campaigners Chie Saet and Rachel Daquis.
“Let's make it official! Welcome to the ZUS Coffee family, Karen Verdeflor, Ren Peñafiel, Cess Robles, Chie Saet, and Rachel Anne Daquis! Tuloy ang trabaho! Tuloy ang laban,” the team said in a Facebook post.
Robles, a former top scorer for Chery Tiggo, is expected to take a key role, while Peñafiel and Verdeflor add depth and versatility to the wing and libero rotations under head coach Jerry Yee. Daquis, reuniting with close friend Jovelyn Gonzaga, brings veteran leadership alongside Saet. They join an already solid core led by Cloanne Mondonedo, Thea Gagate, AC Miner, Alyssa Eroa, Riza Nogales, Chinnie Arroyo, and Gonzaga.
Meanwhile, Farm Fresh also strengthened its squad, signing six new players, including former Chery Tiggo stars Ara Galang and Mylene Paat. Former Crossover Imee Hernandez, along with veterans Remy Palma, Royse Tubino, and Bia General, complete the new-look Foxies roster.
“We officially welcome to the Farm Fresh family Bia General, Rem Palma, Imee Hernandez, Mylene Paat, Royse Tubino, and Ara Galang. Exciting times for the orange, black, and white. We hope you love it here, ladies! And to the fans coming in with them, welcome to you as well,” the team posted on social media.
Paat, Galang, and Tubino are set to join a loaded wing rotation that already features former league MVP Ces Molina, multi-time Best Opposite Spiker Trisha Tubu, and Jolina Dela Cruz. Hernandez and Palma will bolster the frontline alongside Lorene Toring, Riri Meneses, Rizza Cruz, and Des Clemente-De Guzman, while General strengthens the libero rotation.
Farm Fresh, coming off its best elimination round campaign in franchise history with a 7–1 record, is yet to announce its new head coach for the upcoming conference.
