ZUS Coffee stay in QF hunt with gritty win over Cignal

ZUS Coffee delivered a clutch performance in the decisive fifth set, showing composure, resilience, and timely execution to edge out Cignal in a thrilling five-set battle, 19-25, 25-23, 25-20, 23-25, 15-12, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Play-In Tournament at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday, March 11.

“We’re very happy, but there’s a bit of frustration since we could have closed it out in the fourth set. Still, we held on in the fifth, so we’re happy,” said Thunderbelles head coach Jerry Yee.  

Cignal made a late push in the deciding frame, cutting ZUS Coffee’s lead to 13-12 after a block from Jackie Acuña on Jovelyn Gonzaga and an attack error by Michelle Gamit.

However, former HD Spiker Chai Troncoso rose to the occasion, delivering two consecutive clutch hits to seal the victory. She finished with 21 points, including 15 attacks, four aces, and two blocks, while also recording 17 excellent receptions.  

ZUS Coffee seemed poised to close out the match in four sets, holding a dominant 12-3 lead early and an 18-11 advantage midway. But Cignal mounted a strong comeback, led by Vanie Gandler and Ishie Lalongisip, forcing a deciding set.

Chinnie Arroyo provided crucial support for the Thunderbelles, scoring 20 points and tallying 18 digs. Middle blockers Thea Gagate and Gamit also contributed with 16 and 13 markers, respectively.  

Gandler led Cignal’s late rally in the fourth set, delivering a series of powerful hits to keep the HD Spikers in contention. She finished with a game-high 23 points, while Acuña and Lalongisip provided strong offensive support with 22 and 16, respectively.

Roselyn Doria-Aquino, Jovelyn Fernandez, and Gel Cayuna combined for 23 points but fell short in crucial moments.

Despite Cignal’s relentless fight, ZUS Coffee’s composure in the clutch proved to be the difference. With the win, the Thunderbelles keep their quarterfinal hopes alive, staying in the hunt for a coveted postseason berth.

Meanwhile, Cignal faces an uphill battle as the Play-In Tournament nears its conclusion. With only a few games left, every point matters as teams scramble for a spot in the next round.

As the intensity rises, ZUS Coffee will look to carry this momentum forward, knowing that the road to the quarterfinals is far from over.