The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles are determined to shake up the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
At the heart of this mission is a dynamic duo: Thea Gagate, the league’s top overall pick, and seasoned veteran Jovelyn Gonzaga.
Together, they’re working to elevate ZUS Coffee from an emerging team into a formidable contender.
For Gagate, making her professional debut was about more than just joining the pro ranks; it was a chance to prove her worth in a more competitive arena.
Standing tall at 6-foot-2, the former La Salle star showcased her offensive prowess with 13 points, hitting 11-for-22 in her first game, despite ZUS Coffee falling short against Akari in a four-set battle.
Her powerful presence in the fourth set, highlighted by a crucial 3-0 run that tied the game at 23, demonstrated her ability to command the game when it matters most.
“As a rookie, syempre gusto ko lang mapakita kung anong kaya ko,” Gagate shared. “Since I’m one of the tallest players here, gusto ko talaga mag-improve pa sa lahat ng skills ko para maka-contribute sa team namin.”
For Gonzaga, however, this season marks a resurgence rather than an initiation.
After a six-month break from volleyball to recover from a demanding 2023, which saw her balancing beach volleyball with a full PVL season, Gonzaga has returned refreshed and motivated.
“Mahal ko ang volleyball, pero napapagod din ang katawan ko,” she admitted, explaining the importance of rest after years of relentless play.
The pride of Jordan, Guimaras, chose ZUS Coffee as the new home for her comeback journey, drawn to the team’s youthful energy and her potential role as a mentor.
“Happy ako na ZUS ang napuntahan ko,” Gonzaga said. “Mga bata, pero masipag at mababait sila. Hindi siya mahirap, masaya ako sa team na to.”
The Thunderbelles’ loss in their opening game was a tough pill to swallow, but it laid a foundation for growth.
Both players view the six-month conference as a rare opportunity to build a stronger, more cohesive team dynamic.
Guided by Gonzaga’s experience and resilience, the younger players are eager to learn, embodying the team spirit and discipline that Gonzaga has consistently championed.
“Yun lang naman talaga, presence. Hindi siya responsibilidad,” Gonzaga noted.
For Gagate, the debut game was also about self-discovery.
While she grappled with her own physical challenges, she found herself embracing her role on the court, even amid the team’s adjustments to its new lineup.
“Thankful ako, di ko ine-expect honestly na double digits ako kasi may pinagdadaanan ako on the sides,” she revealed.
Her motivation remains clear: to elevate ZUS Coffee and help them shed their underdog status.
Their bond was evident as the veteran and rookie worked seamlessly during the game.
This chemistry wasn’t something either player took for granted, as Gonzaga’s presence not only brought out the best in her younger teammates but also inspired her to give her all in every game.
“Every single time na ginagamit ako ni Coach Jerry, step up talaga yung iniisip ko,” she said.
This season for ZUS Coffee, every serve, spike, and dig is a step toward establishing their place in the PVL.
