Cloanne Mondoñedo delivered when it mattered most, steering ZUS Coffee to its first-ever Premier Volleyball League (PVL) quarterfinals appearance.
The seasoned playmaker seized the Thunderbelles’ last shot at a playoff spot, showcasing her brilliance in the thrilling play-in tournament to clinch the final ticket to the next round of the 2024-2025 All-Filipino Conference.
“Lahat naman talaga gusto makapasok sa play-ins eh, and also kumuha ako ng motivation sa mga teammates ko kasi nakikita kong gusto din nila,” she said. “So ako, ginagawa ko talaga ‘yung best ko na maayos ko ‘yung trabaho ko para sa team.”
The former NCAA MVP from the College of Saint Benilde masterfully orchestrated ZUS Coffee’s balanced attack with 24 excellent sets, adding two points in a crucial 19-25, 25-23, 25-20, 23-25, 15-12 win over Cignal to open their play-in campaign last Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.
Mondoñedo followed that up with another stellar performance, tallying 24 excellent sets and six points in a 25-22, 25-17, 18-25, 25-17 victory over Capital1 on Thursday evening to formally book the Thunderbelles’ quarterfinals ticket.
“Super happy and proud ako kasi lahat naman naghirap para makarating dito, and also, lahat talaga nag-contribute,” she said.
Sweeping the play-in round to complete ZUS Coffee’s impressive climb from cellar dwellers to playoff contenders, Mondoñedo earned the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week honor, presented by Pilipinas Live, for the period of March 11 to 15.
The 24-year-old setter bested teammate Chai Troncoso, Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina, Akari’s Ivy Lacsina, Chery Tiggo’s Ara Galang, and Nxled’s Chiara Permentilla for the weekly recognition in the competition, which is streamed live and on-demand via the Pilipinas Live app and on www.pvl.ph.
Mondoñedo also became the first NCAA product to win the Player of the Week award, selected by reporters from print and online publications covering the league.
With the Thunderbelles set to face the No. 2 Petro Gazz Angels in a best-of-three quarterfinal series starting on Tuesday, Mondoñedo remains determined to make the most of their breakthrough playoff appearance.
“For me, laban talaga kasi ito ‘yung gusto namin eh. Kaya nga kami nandito kasi para lumaban and ipakita sa lahat ‘yung skills namin,” she said.
