ZUS Coffee is on the rise, poised to climb even higher in 2025 as the pieces begin to fall into place for the Thunderbelles’ vision when they first entered the Premier Volleyball League.
After enduring two winless conferences, ZUS Coffee finally broke through in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference with a victory over Nxled on November 19.
The Thunderbelles followed that breakthrough with another win, this time against the Galeries Tower Highrisers, marking the first win streak in franchise history after a tough stretch of 20 consecutive losses.
To close out 2024, ZUS Coffee faced defeat but walked away with renewed confidence after pushing perennial champions Creamline to a grueling five-set battle, ultimately falling short, 22-25, 30-28, 24-26, 25-17, 13-15.
“Sobrang grateful kami sa naging outcome ng performance namin. Sayang siya sa sayang, pero part of us happy kami kasi somehow yung paghihirap ng team, during trainings na lumalabas,” shared Jovelyn Gonzaga about their final game of the year.
Gonzaga, one of the team’s key offseason signings, has provided much-needed veteran leadership to complement the Thunderbelles’ youth movement. Her contributions extend beyond the stat sheet, as she continues to lead both on and off the Taraflex.
Gonzaga’s efforts earned her the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week honor for the period of November 19 to 23.
(C) PVL Images
“Good sign na may progress kami. And okay, paonti-onti. And hoping na for next, na magandang baon din siya for bakasyon. And good way din para sa next year namin. Sana madala namin,” added Gonzaga, optimistic about the team’s steady progress.
She also praised the potential of the Thunderbelles’ younger players, expressing relief that she doesn’t need to carry the team entirely on her shoulders, as they are capable of stepping up and delivering in crucial moments.
Leading the youth core is PVL inaugural draft first overall pick Thea Gagate, alongside setter Cloanne Mondoñedo, Mich Gamit, Kate Santiago, Chinnie Arroyo, Gayle Pascual, and Shar Ancheta.
“Ang sarap kasi sa feeling na bilang senior, like hindi yung feeling na ikaw lagi yung aasahan,” said the lefty opposite spiker.
“Kumbaga lumalabas na slowly yung potential. Yun talaga kasi yung kaya nilang gawin din. Like may mga times nagdadoubt so nawawala, so inconsistent, so slowly dahil sa process, lumalabas yung totoong nilalaro ng mga bata talaga.”
With a 2-3 record, the Thunderbelles aim for a stronger showing in 2025, which begins on January 18 when they face the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at the Philsports Arena.
