Upset could change narrative surrounding ZUS
Nowhere in the discussion of possible title contenders in the PVL All-Filipino Conference was ZUS Coffee ever mentioned.
The Thunderbelles are poised to rewrite that narrative if they can close out the Petro Gazz Angels in their Saturday quarterfinal clash at Ynares Center in Antipolo.
From a team with a win-deprived past, the Thunderbelles have evolved into an intimidating unit, capable of advancing further after torching their play-in foes and recently toppling the No. 2-ranked Angels.
But for ZUS Coffee coach Jerry Yee, his young core—fortified by seasoned hitters Jovelyn Gonzaga and Chai Troncoso—has been steadily progressing through a rigorous process.
“I wasn’t really surprised. I mentioned before that we will encounter tough situations where we’ll experience heartbreak losses, close losses. It’s a process we have to go through,” said Yee.
Beyond Gonzaga and Troncoso, their growth has been evident as top rookie pick Thea Gagate, Mich Gamit, Chinnie Arroyo, and setter Clo Mondoñedo are becoming increasingly cohesive, driving the Thunderbelles deeper into the playoffs.
Another upset over the Angels—who saw their 10-game win streak snapped—will send ZUS Coffee to a franchise-first semifinal berth.
Despite their Game 1 straight-sets loss, the Angels can’t be counted out of forcing a decider, with Myla Pablo voicing her frustration.
“We can’t be the ones playing catch-up. I think we were lacking that fighting spirit on the court,” said Pablo, who, alongside Brooke Van Sickle, clearly needed more offensive backup.
That support is expected from Aiza Pontillas, MJ Phillips, Ranya Musa, and Chie Saet, along with Djanel Cheng’s steady playmaking and libero Jellie Tempiatura’s defense against ZUS’s attacks.
Meanwhile, Creamline looks to finish off Chery Tiggo in the other quarterfinal matchup later Saturday, aiming to join early semifinal qualifiers Choco Mucho and Akari, both of whom swept their foes in two games.
The Choco Mucho Flying Titans secured the first semifinal spot by sweeping PLDT in five sets Thursday, before the Akari Chargers mirrored the feat against the persistent Galeries Tower Highrisers.
“This is the quarterfinals. No team will go down easily, so we expect Chery Tiggo to fight until the end. We’re prepared for that,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses, who is chasing his 101st win with the Cool Smashers.
Creamline’s latest victory in the quarterfinals made Meneses the first coach to register 100 wins in the PVL.
The Crossovers, who nearly stole the second set in Game 1, need to find answers to neutralize Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, Bernadeth Pons, middle blockers Bea De Leon and Jeanette Panaga, and setter Kyle Negrito.
“Familiarity plays a crucial role in these situations. But we also recognize the challenge of adapting to changes in a long-standing system. In the end, we trust and believe in each other,” said three-time PVL MVP Valdez, who summoned her veteran grit in Game 1.
