ZUS Coffee secured its biggest victory yet on Thursday night, stunning Chery Tiggo in four sets, 25-22, 25-22, 23-25, 25-20, at the Philsports Arena.
This win lifted the Thunderbelles into a tie for seventh place in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Jovelyn Gonzaga led the way for ZUS Coffee with 20 points, along with 15 excellent digs.
Glaudine Troncoso contributed 18 points, including 16 attacks and two kill blocks, plus 16 excellent receptions.
Thea Gagate added 13 points for the Thunderbelles, who are now level with Akari at 4-4 in the standings.
Chinnie Arroyo and Michelle Gamit chipped in 12 and 10 points, respectively.
(C) PVL Images
“We are never satisfied. Always working to move forward. Ganun lang,” said ZUS Coffee head coach Jerry Yee.
“Ang dami pa naming wino-work on sa sarili namin. It’s about kung sino ‘yung nasa harap namin at kung paano kami mage-execute, kung paano kami magre-respond sa ganung situations. Ganun pa lang kami eh. Kung panalo, o matalo, edi matututo,” he added.
Despite failing to close out the game in the third set, ZUS Coffee ensured victory by finishing strong with a 6-2 run.
A key moment came when Troncoso slammed through the block to put the Thunderbelles up 22-16.
Chery Tiggo briefly fought back, with Jules Samonte powering through the ZUS blockers and Jasmine Nabor executing a slick 1-2 play to trim the deficit to four.
However, Gonzaga sealed the win with a scorching cross-court hit, ending the match after two hours of play.
Cloanne Mondonedo directed the Thunderbelles’ offense with 17 excellent sets and three points, while Julia Angeles anchored the defense with 12 excellent digs.
ZUS Coffee looks to extend its win streak to three when it faces Petro Gazz on Tuesday at 6:30 PM at the same venue.
(C) PVL Images
On the other hand, Chery Tiggo slipped to sixth place with a 5-4 record. Ara Galang led the Crossovers with 20 points, including 17 attacks, two blocks, and one ace.
Shaya Adorador and Cess Robles contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively.
The Crossovers will look to bounce back against Creamline on Thursday at 4:00 PM, also at Philsports.
