ZUS Coffee has shown remarkable improvement in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, particularly in its recent performances.
The Thunderbelles had endured a grueling start with 20 consecutive losses in the country’s premier professional volleyball league.
But they finally broke through on November 19 – clinching their first-ever franchise victory by defeating Nxled in four sets.
Building on that momentum, ZUS Coffee dominated Galeries Tower in straight sets before falling to Farm Fresh, settling for a 2-2 record.
On Thursday night, the Thunderbelles faced their toughest challenge yet: the Grand Slam champions Creamline Cool Smashers.
ZUS Coffee displayed incredible resilience, pushing the Cool Smashers to the limit before succumbing in a thrilling five-set battle, 22-25, 30-28, 24-26, 25-17, 13-15, at the Philsports Arena.
Despite the victory, Creamline stalwarts Alyssa Valdez and Bernadeth Pons took a moment to commend the Thunderbelles’ growth as a team.
(C) PVL Images
“Honestly, I think more than anything, I saw their grit. I saw that they won’t go down without a fight talaga. As a young team with a mix of veterans, ang ganda ng combination nila sa ZUS Coffee right now,” said Valdez, who tallied 17 points in the match.
“I guess one thing na nakita ko now is yung grit talaga. That attitude that, even though they’re one of the youngest teams, they’ll fight talaga for their pride and honor.”
During the offseason, ZUS Coffee retooled their roster with the acquisition of young talents Chinnie Arroyo, Kate Santiago, and Ypril Tapia. They also bolstered their lineup with veterans Jovelyn Gonzaga and Chai Troncoso.
Additionally, inaugural draft first overall pick Thea Gagate joined the team after fulfilling her commitments with Alas Pilipinas during the Reinforced Conference.
For Pons, Gonzaga’s veteran presence has been crucial in uniting the Thunderbelles and fostering their remarkable development.
“Siguro malaking factor din talaga na nasa kanila si Ate Jovs kasi may beterano sila sa loob na isa din sa nagle-lead sa kanila. Maganda din pinakita nila na ayaw nila bumitaw basta-basta. Gusto din nila maipanalo ‘yung team,” said Pons.
