Jovelyn Gonzaga’s faith fuels ZUS Coffee’s rise in the PVL

In sports, belief is often the unseen force that turns underdogs into champions. For ZUS Coffee, a team once overlooked in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), that belief has been unwavering—thanks to their leader, Jovelyn Gonzaga.

When Gonzaga joined ZUS Coffee, she already saw what many others didn’t: a team brimming with potential.

On Tuesday night, March 18, the potential materialized into one of the biggest upsets of the season as the Thunderbelles took down the heavily favored Petro Gazz Angles in a dominant 25-21, 25-23, 27-25 sweep in Game 1 of the PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals. 

It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.

From the beginning, Gonzaga knew ZUS Coffee had what it took to compete with the league’s best. Despite being a relatively young squad compared to their veteran-laden rivals, she constantly reminded her teammates that they were capable of achieving great things.

For months, the Thunderbelles worked tirelessly, fueled by her leadership and belief.

Against Petro Gazz, they showcased not just skill, but the intangibles—heart, chemistry, and sheer determination.

ZUS Coffee’s win wasn’t about one player carrying the team, it was a collective effort. Gonzaga credited their selflessness and teamwork as the driving force behind their upset victory. 

She described how the team moved and fought not just for themselves but for each other, for the team, and for their coaches. Their ability to put the team’s success above individual performances was what made the difference in such a high-stakes match.

That mindset allowed them to stay composed even when Petro Gazz, who entered the match on a 10-game winning streak, put them under pressure. 

ZUS Coffee refused to crumble. Instead, they played with the confidence of a team that knew it belonged. 

While the victory was historic, Gonzaga knows the mission isn’t complete. With Game 2 set for Saturday, March 22, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, she emphasized that there is no room for complacency. 

She acknowledged the importance of enjoying the win but made it clear that they must work even harder to secure another victory. Whatever effort they showed in Game 1, they would need to double in the next match to ensure their spot in the semifinals.

That final moment in Game 1—when Gonzaga sealed the sweep with a clutch block on Mayla Pablo—was a testament to her leadership. She left by example, proving that belief, when backed by hard work and teamwork, can turn dreams into reality.

ZUS Coffee is no longer just a promising team—they are a force to be reckoned with. And at the heart of their rise is a leader who saw their greatness before the rest of the league did.

If this is just the beginning, then the PVL better be ready because ZUS Coffee has arrived.