PASSI — ZUS Coffee showed immense composure under pressure, clinching its first-ever franchise win over Creamline in a five-set thriller, 24-26, 25-20, 25-23, 22-25, 15-11, in the 2025 PVL On Tour on Saturday at the City of Passi Arena here.
The Thunderbelles, who have now gone the distance in all three of their matches in the tournament, fended off the Cool Smashers in the clutch to improve to 2-1.
The win strengthens their chances of securing an outright quarterfinal berth in Pool B.
It was a statement victory for ZUS Coffee, who dealt the 10-time champions a rare second straight loss — their first since falling to PLDT in the eliminations and Choco Mucho in the semis of the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Saturday’s victory also marked ZUS Coffee’s first win against Creamline in four meetings across three conferences.
(C) PVL Images
“Masaya, of course, Creamline ‘yan — pero trabaho pa rin kami. Bukas may game pa, mahirap pa rin ‘yun,” said Thunderbelles head coach Jerry Yee.
“Buti na lang may improvement. ‘Yun naman ang importante, kasi kung wala, wala kaming trabaho. So ganun ‘yun. It’s great na meron kaming ganyang improvement. We’re moving slowly, pero ‘yun ang gusto namin — moving progressively, improving,” he added.
After failing to close out the Cool Smashers in the fourth set, ZUS Coffee dug deep in the decider. Chinnie Arroyo led a crucial 5-1 scoring burst that turned a narrow 6-5 lead into a 10-6 cushion.
Jema Galanza tried to mount a comeback, delivering a cross-court kill, a sharp combination play finish, and a booming ace to lead a 3-1 rally that cut Creamline’s deficit to 9-11.
But Fiola Ceballos and hometown hero Jovelyn Gonzaga answered with a clutch 3-0 run to bring the Thunderbelles to match point, 14-9.
Michele Gumabao temporarily stopped the bleeding with a powerful kill, and a miscue from Gonzaga gave the Cool Smashers a glimmer of hope. However, Rose Vargas sent her serve long on the next play, handing ZUS Coffee the monumental win.
“Wala, ano pa — marami pa kaming trabaho. We’re very grateful for the win, pero work pa rin talaga. And tomorrow is another day, another big team to play with. Bahala na,” said Yee.
Arroyo was unstoppable, firing a game-high 23 points — all but one coming from attacks. Rookie middle blocker AC Miner added 16 points, including two service aces.
Gonzaga, who was a game-time decision due to a lingering back issue, rose to the occasion with 12 points in front of her fellow Ilonggos.
Setter Cloanne Mondonedo displayed poise under pressure, tallying 30 excellent sets despite battling cramps in the fifth frame. Libero Alyssa Eroa anchored the floor defense with 21 excellent digs.
The Thunderbelles aim to build on their momentum when they face Cignal on Sunday at 4:00 PM, still at the City of Passi Arena.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, Creamline, which previously fell to Cignal in straight sets last July 1, dropped to 2-2 in the standings and is now in danger of missing out on one of the top two spots in Pool B.
Galanza put up a team-high 21 points on 16 attacks, three blocks, and two aces to go along with 13 excellent digs in the loss.
Team captain Alyssa Valdez had a double-double of 16 points and 21 excellent receptions, while Gumabao added 14 points. Kyle Negrito dished out 27 excellent sets to go along with four points.
The Cool Smashers look to bounce back against Chery Tiggo and cap the pool stage with a win also on Sunday at 6:30 PM.
