Once struggling to find its footing in the Premier Volleyball League, ZUS Coffee now seems unstoppable.
Overcoming a first-set scare, the Thunderbelles unleashed a methodical and relentless attacking game to defeat the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 25-22, 25-16, 25-19, in the All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena on Thursday.
Chinnie Arroyo spearheaded the Thunderbelles' charge with 14 points, including 11 attacks, two aces and a block, earning player-of-the-game honors. However, she credited their remarkable resurgence to the arrival of veterans Jovelyn Gonzaga and Chai Troncoso, who infused the team with leadership, firepower and late-game composure that had been missing in their previous campaigns.
“I was hyped up because of my teammates,” Arroyo said in Filipino, reflecting on her standout performance. “With the help of our ates, Jove and Chai, the team has matured thanks to their guidance and advice.”
“Our mindset is to keep going and maintain our momentum,” added Arroyo.
The Thunderbelles overcame a late first-set scare when Roselle Baliton’s quick hit tied the score at 22. Cloanne Mondonedo’s crafty 1-2 play and Arroyo’s back-to-back kills sealed the set for ZUS Coffee, providing the confidence boost the Thunderbelles needed to dominate the next two frames.
ZUS Coffee imposed its will in the second set, racing to a commanding 22-14 lead. The Thunderbelles maintained their poise in the third frame, despite a spirited fightback from the Highrisers, who trimmed the gap to 17-21.
Troncoso’s clutch hit brought the Thunderbelles to match point before Mondonedo wrapped up the game with another brilliant 1-2 play.
Troncoso contributed 11 points and eight excellent receptions, while Gagate added nine points. Gonzaga and Michelle Gamit chipped in seven points apiece, with Gonzaga anchoring the defense with six digs and five receptions.
Galeries Tower matched ZUS Coffee in scoring areas like spiking (39-38) and blocking (10-9). However, the Highrisers service reception faltered, leading to five aces by the Thunderbelles. The Highrisers also suffered from 21 unforced errors, compared to only nine by their opponents.
France Ronquillo and Roselle Baliton led the Highrisers with 12 points each, while Jho Maraguino and Ysa Jimenez added 10 and six, respectively.
The Highrisers fell to 0-4, with Jewel Encarnacion contributing just one point in limited action.
