In a match defined by grit and resolve, the seventh-seeded ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles shocked the second-ranked Petro Gazz Angels with a resounding 25-21, 25-23, 27-25 victory in Game 1 of their best-of-three quarterfinals series in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday evening at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
For veteran spiker Myla Pablo, the difference was clear: ZUS Coffee's unwavering fighting spirit starkly contrasted Petro Gazz's sluggish approach.
"Ang nangyari talaga this game, parang nawala kami. Nawala kami nung first set and second set," said Pablo, reflecting on their disappointing performance.
"Nung third set, kala namin makukuha na namin yung set 3 pero lumaban yung ZUS eh. Kudos din talaga lalo yung mga depensahan nila, yung kung paano gumalaw ang ZUS," she added, commending the Thunderbelles’ defensive tenacity that fueled their stunning third-set comeback.
Pablo acknowledged that their lack of courage and assertiveness proved costly. "I think yun din yung naging kulang talaga namin, yung tapang namin sa loob ng court."
The Angels wasted no time addressing their missteps, holding an immediate post-match huddle to regroup and prepare for Game 2. Despite the painful loss that snapped their 10-game winning streak, Pablo remains confident that Petro Gazz can recover.
"Siguro sa susunod na game namin this Saturday, siguro kung ano yung mga naging lapses namin this game, kailangan talaga namin pagtrabahuhan sa training," said Pablo, who scored 14 points in the defeat. "Mag-start kami bukas, meron pa naman kami three days to prepare for Game 2."
For Petro Gazz, a strong start will be crucial in Game 2, scheduled for Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. Pablo stressed the importance of playing with urgency right from the opening whistle.
"Sinasabi ko nga, yung first set talaga parang ang tagal namin mag-init sa loob ng court. Parang mas pinapahirap namin yung sarili namin na humabol lagi ng set," Pablo explained. "I think sa Game 2 talaga, kailangan makauna kami. Hindi pwedeng kami yung naghahabol."
