Gonzaga, Gagate fuel ZUS Coffee in breakthrough franchise victory

In a momentous turning point, ZUS Coffee claimed its first Premier Volleyball League (PVL) win after a four-set victory, 19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-15, over Nxled in the All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, November 19, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Thunderbelles at long last broke through after enduring a winless reputation since its debut in the league, ending its 20-game losing streak.

"We're only starting. Even at our first conference, we had a few months to train. Even though it's All-Filipino, somehow the veterans are like late additions," said ZUS Coffee head coach Jerry Yee.

Veteran Jovelyn Gonzaga, who previously suited up for Cignal HD Spikers, proved to be a valuable addition as she demonstrated her abilities with a brilliant 23-point performance on an effective 20-of-30 attacking clip and recorded three blocks while also tallying 12 excellent digs.

The No. 1 overall pick in this year’s inaugural rookie draft, Thea Gagate showcased her equally lethal expertise by scoring 16 markers built from 10 attack points, five blocks, and an ace. 

The arrival of Gonzaga proved instrumental in helping the young Thunderbelles snap their lengthy losing skid and boosting confidence in her teammates.

"Personally, I want to give them confidence and trust because once their confidence is built, the team's performance will be good," said Gonzaga in Filipino.

Meanwhile, the Alas Pilipinas middle blocker believes the Thunderbelles can win more games if they improve team communication and flaunt a warrior mindset every game.

"My mindset in every game is that we can do it. No matter what happens, we just keep fighting because, as Ate Jov [Gonzaga] says, we all have talent and potential,” said Gagate. "We just need to refine it together as a team to get the win."

“It’s really about communication. Even though we’re new players and a new team, we just need to work hard and focus on communicating because that’s where everything starts, including teamwork,” she added with regards to communication as the key in overcoming their first-set loss to Nxled.

The Thunderbelles dominated the fourth frame after securing narrow victories in the second and third with Gayle Pascual delivering the game-winning three points to give the Thunderbelles a 16-5 lead that even the Chameleons' seven late points could not overcome.

ZUS Coffee’s record is now at 1-1 while Nxled is pushed at a 0-2 win-loss slate.

The Thunderbelles will aim to build on this win as they take on Galeries Towers on November 28 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.