ZUS Coffee turned in a commanding performance, capitalizing on Chery Tiggo’s manpower woes and crucial endgame lapses to clinch a 25-22, 25-22, 23-25, 25-20 victory in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference preliminaries at Philsports Arena in Pasig on Thursday.
Jovelyn Gonzaga spearheaded the charge with a stellar 20-point effort, sealing the win with a decisive game-winning kill. She received ample support from Chai Troncoso (18 points), Thea Gagate (13), Chinnie Arroyo (12), and Michelle Gamit (10), as the Thunderbelles claimed back-to-back wins to move into a tie for seventh place with a 4-4 record.
Though still outside the league’s top tier, the Thunderbelles’ triumph over a formidable Chery Tiggo side underscored their growing competitiveness in the league’s longest-ever six-month tournament organized by Sports Vision and backed by Watsons. Their balanced offense and tenacious play signaled their potential as legitimate title contenders.
At the heart of their fluid execution was team captain and setter Cloanne Mondonedo, who orchestrated plays with precision, keeping the Crossovers’ defense on its toes. Despite her pivotal role, Mondonedo credited the team’s collective effort.
“I’m proud of the team. Everyone contributed, which made our job much easier,” said Mondonedo in Filipino, emphasizing how their two-hour, three-minute battle further strengthened their confidence for the crucial upcoming matches.
Chery Tiggo suffered its fourth loss (5-4) and slipped to sixth in the standings, struggling without injured libero Jen Nierva and middle blocker Cza Carandang. While the Crossovers put up a fight, particularly in a hard-earned third-set win, costly errors – including three crucial service faults in the fourth – derailed their comeback bid.
But even with a complete roster, it’s uncertain whether Chery Tiggo could have halted ZUS Coffee’s momentum. The Thunderbelles, a dynamic mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents mentored by Jerry Yee, have been peaking at the right time.
Gonzaga and Troncoso not only led the offense but also fortified the team’s defensive stance with the former posting 15 excellent digs, outperforming designated libero Julia Angeles. Troncoso, on the other hand, contributed 16 excellent receptions.
Chery Tiggo, on the other hand, drew 20 points from Ara Galang while Shaya Adorador (13) and Cess Robles (11) chipped in solid efforts. However, the Thunderbelles’ efficiency proved too much to overcome.
ZUS Coffee outgunned Chery Tiggo in key departments, leading in attacks (69-56) and service aces (8-1). Although the Crossovers held a slight edge in blocks (9-7), their erratic service reception played into the Thunderbelles’ hands.
With each passing game, the Thunderbelles are proving they’re more than just an up-and-coming squad – they’re a legitimate force. And with their growing confidence, they might just be the dark horse to watch in the league’s title race.
