Jovelyn Gonzaga and Chai Troncoso leading the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles’ charge in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — ZUS Coffee veteran spikers Jovelyn Gonzaga and Chai Troncoso are charging their five-set loss to Creamline to experience as they end the year oozing with confidence after pushing the 10-time champions to their limits in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Gonzaga and Troncoso provided stability to the young Thunderbelles to put up a gallant stand against the formidable Cool Smashers, who were boosted by their loud fans, only to fall short in the fifth set, 22-25, 30-28, 24-26, 25-17, 13-15, on Thursday at Philsports Arena.
Gonzaga, Troncoso, and Kate Santiago formed a potent spiking trio against the unbeaten and ‘five peat’-seeking Creamline in the loss.
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“We’re very grateful for the outcome of our performance. It’s unfortunate, but we’re still happy because it’s a good sign of progress. It’s something positive to carry with us during the break and a good way to prepare for next year. Hopefully, we can build on this,” said Gonzaga, who recorded 11 points and 11 digs.
“It feels great as a senior not to always feel like everything depends on you. Their potential is starting to show. There are still moments of doubt, so they’re inconsistent, but the true potential of the younger players is starting to show,” she added.
Troncoso, who had 13 points, deflected their strong showing to a good team effort as middle blockers Thea Gagate and Michelle Gamit also stepped up with Cloanne Mondoñedo setting up the plays.
“The things we’ve been training for and the instructions from our coaches are starting to show. I’m also grateful because whoever gets subbed in really steps up. This is definitely a good takeaway for next year and for our upcoming games,” said Troncoso.
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“The younger players are also strong, so [Jovelyn Gonzaga] has really become our core, leading us forward. As for me, I think I’m getting there, but I still need to fully embrace my role,” she added.
The Thunderbelles may have fallen short and ended the year with a 2-3 record but they are eager to do better next year after seeing what they can do after putting up a good fight against the most successful volleyball club.
“You all know Creamline, their standing, and the number of championships they’ve won, so for us to keep up with them is something we’re happy about,” said Gonzaga. “There’s still so much for us to learn. Sometimes, our inexperience shows, especially in tight, high-pressure games. As a new team, we’ll keep working hard. At least this served as good motivation for us to improve even more.”
ZUS Coffee will return to action on January 18 against Choco Mucho at the same venue in Pasig City.