ZUS Coffee wins first-ever gold at 2025 Davao Invitational

The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles carved history in Davao, clinching their first-ever franchise championship after outlasting the powerhouse De La Salle University Lady Spikers, 25-17, 25-19, 23-25, 25-23, in the finals of the 2025 Davao Invitational Volleyball Tournament on Sunday, September 7, at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gymnasium and Cultural Center.

Led by Guimaras native Jovelyn Gonzaga, the Thunderbelles capped an unbeaten four-game campaign, dropping just one set throughout the week-long tilt. 

Gonzaga, who made her much-anticipated return after sitting out the PVL Invitational, shone brightest as she claimed both the Most Valuable Player and Best Opposite Hitter awards.

ZUS Coffee’s depth also came to the fore as team captain Cloanne Mondoñedo earned the Best Setter citation, Chinnie Arroyo was named Best Outside Hitter, and promising rookie Mycah Go took home the Best Server award.

La Salle, despite falling short in the finals, still saw standouts shine with reigning UAAP Best Libero Lyka de Leon reclaiming the same recognition in Davao and Lilay del Castillo being hailed as Best Middle Blocker.

The Thunderbelles’ triumph was a much-needed confidence boost after a winless run in the recent PVL Invitational Conference, giving coach Jerry Yee’s squad renewed momentum heading into the next PVL war.

Meanwhile, the Farm Fresh Foxies salvaged bronze by turning back the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers in four sets, 18-25, 25-20, 25-14, 25-21, highlighted by the return of veterans Frances Xinia Molina and Marivic Meneses, who both last played with Cignal HD Spikers in January.