MONTALBAN, RIZAL — ZUS Coffee finally broke through the win column of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League On Tour, outlasting Capital1 in a thrilling five-setter, 20-25, 26-24, 23-25, 25-18, 15-11, on Sunday night at the Ynares Center here.
After falling short in their previous five-set duel against the Akari Chargers (24-26, 21-25, 25-17, 25-17, 15-17), the Thunderbelles made sure to finish the job this time, improving to 1-1 in Pool B and claiming solo fourth place.
“Masaya, of course. And ang haba ng mga games no? Puro kami five setters, pero masaya. Not that easy integrating the players, pero we will get there,” said ZUS Coffee head coach Jerry Yee.
(C) PVL Images
Newly-acquired Fiola Ceballos powered the Thunderbelles’ finishing kick in the deciding set, hammering an off-the-block hit before serving up an ace to break a 10-all deadlock to a 12-10 lead.
Veteran Jovelyn Gonzaga then came through with a strong kill off a misreceived ball by the Solar Spikers, followed by an error on the other side by Shola Alvarez for match point at 14-10.
Although Sydney Niegos managed to get a point, Gonzaga finished ZUS Coffee’s second-straight five-setter this time with a win after two hours and 27 minutes.
Fifth overall pick AC Miner impressed for the Thunderbelles with 18 points on 13 spikes and five blocks, while Kate Santiago also came through with 17 points in just four sets of play.
Gonzaga was still reliable with 14 points, as Cloanne Mondoñedo orchestrated with 37 excellent sets.
Second round selection Mycah Go also made a good account of herself with seven points, 23 excellent receptions, and 13 excellent digs.
ZUS Coffee will next head to the City of Passi Arena in Iloilo for back-to-back matches against powerhouse squads Creamline and Cignal on July 19 and 20, respectively.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, the Solar Spikers’ woes continued as they remained winless in the tournament, dropping to 0-4.
Trisha Genesis’ monster game for Capital1 of 23 points, 24 excellent receptions, and 19 excellent digs went to waste.
Alvarez also had 22 points in the loss, while Niegos got 19 points.
Capital1 will try to salvage a strong finish in pool play when it faces Akari on July 15 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
