ZUS Coffee and Nxled wrap up PVL Play-In with redemption wins

Zus Coffee secured a quarterfinal spot in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, while Nxled ended its campaign on a high note with a dominant win, as both teams wrapped up their play-in matches on Thursday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.  
 

The Thunderbelles made history by clinching their first-ever playoff appearance after outlasting Capital1 in four sets, 25-22, 25-17, 18-25, 25-17. With the victory, they secured at least an eighth-place finish—an impressive feat after previously finishing at the bottom of past conferences.  

Holding a 2-1 set lead, Zus Coffee pulled away in the fourth frame, seizing the lead at 12-11 off a down-the-line hit from Jov Gonzaga. Gonzaga then fueled a crucial 4-0 run from a 14-13 advantage, which proved to be the turning point. She later fired the attack that set up match point, and a Capital1 error sealed the victory, concluding the match in exactly two hours.  

With the win, the Jerry Yee-coached squad also eliminated Cignal and secured the lone quarterfinal ticket from Pool A. However, a tough challenge awaits as they face red-hot Petro Gazz, led by reigning All-Filipino MVP Brooke Van Sickle, in the next round.  

Chai Troncoso led the way for Zus Coffee with 15 points, including 12 attacks, two blocks, and a service ace, while also tallying 17 excellent receptions. Thea Gagate added 13 points, highlighted by four blocks. Gonzaga finished with eight points and 12 excellent digs, while Dolly Versoza recorded 16 digs. 

Meanwhile, Nxled bid farewell to the tournament in style, sweeping Farm Fresh, 25-17, 25-17, 25-18. Both teams had already been eliminated from playoff contention after Chery Tiggo clinched the last quarterfinal spot from Pool B by defeating Farm Fresh the previous day.

Determined to close out their run with a statement win, the Chameleons displayed a well-balanced offensive effort. 

Krich Macaslang and Chiara Permentilla each contributed nine points, while EJ Laure and Lucille Almonte added eight apiece, all coming from attacks.

Defensively, Rach Jorvina stood out with 20 excellent digs, while Jaja Maraguinot orchestrated the offense with 12 excellent sets.

While Nxled’s journey ends here, ZUS Coffee marches on to face a formidable opponent in the quarterfinals, hoping to extend their historic run in the league.