With the crowd holding its breath, Jovelyn Gonzaga soared above the net and delivered the block that stunned the Premier Volleyball League (PVL). As her decisive rejection on Myla Pablo sealed ZUS Coffee's Game 1 victory in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals, the Thunderbelles erupted in celebration.
Gonzaga dropped to her knees, overwhelmed by the moment, as her teammates rushed to embrace her. The seventh-seeded ZUS Coffee had just stunned the No. 2 Petro Gazz in straight sets, 25-21, 25-23, 27-25, pulling off one of the most remarkable upsets of the tournament.
“Sobra akong speechless, grabe 'yung teamwork na pinakita ng team. Very selfless 'yung pinakita, gagalaw talaga kami for each and everyone of us -- for the team, for the coaching staff,” Gonzaga said, still in awe of their achievement.
The veteran spiker credited their coaching staff for orchestrating the game plan that dismantled the Angels' potent offense.
“Kudos din talaga sa coaching staff, kung pa'no nila kami gamitin, kung sinong taong ipapasok, kailan ilalabas, so ang laking factor talaga siya during that game. So 'yon, wala akong masabi, sobrang proud ako, shocked pa na na-straight sets namin Petro Gazz,” Gonzaga added.
The victory was as shocking as it was decisive. Before this stunning loss, Petro Gazz had been riding a dominant 10-game winning streak. But on this night, ZUS Coffee played with unrelenting focus and determination.
Leading the charge was Chai Troncoso, who fired 14 points to anchor ZUS Coffee's offense. Gonzaga and Thea Gagate added 11 points apiece, while Mich Gamit and Chinnie Arroyo contributed 10 points each in a balanced scoring attack.
On the defensive end, Dolly Verzosa stood firm with 11 receptions and eight digs, while Cloanne Mondoñedo expertly steered the team with 19 excellent sets.
Despite the victory, Gonzaga stressed the importance of staying grounded, knowing the Angels would regroup for Game 2.
“Unang una, gusto naming i-feel 'yung pagkapanalo pero alam namin na sa Game Two, magtatrabaho talaga. There is no room for complacency,” she warned. “Pagtatrabahuhan namin -- kung ano man 'yung pinakita namin, dodoblehin namin at kailangan talaga makinig kami sa coaching staff. So for now, ifi-feel muna namin 'yung panalo pero pagtatrabahuhan talaga namin.”
Gamit echoed Gonzaga's sentiments, urging her team to celebrate responsibly before diving back into preparation.
“Celebrate muna kami and then back to work. Mas lalo silang mag-prepare so mas dapat mag-prepare kami for Game Two. May Game Two pa so hindi pa kami totally panalo, so magtatrabaho pa kami,” Gamit said.
