ZUS Coffee pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, stunning Petro Gazz with a hard-fought 25-21, 25-23, 27-25 victory on Tuesday, March 18, at the Philsports Arena.
The win gave the Thunderbelles a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three quarterfinals series, putting them on the brink of a historic semifinal appearance.
Clutch moments define thrilling finish
Rising star Chinnie Arroyo went toe-to-toe with Petro Gazz ace Brooke Van Sickle in a thrilling late-game battle. After Van Sickle tied the score at 24 with a powerful spike, the Angels briefly took the lead following a rare Chai Troncoso miscue.
But veteran Jovelyn Gonzaga stepped up in the clutch. First, she forced an extension with a crucial block touch against Myla Pablo, who then misfired on a crosscourt attack, giving ZUS Coffee the lead. Moments later, Gonzaga sealed the win with a solo block against Pablo, sparking a frenzied celebration.
Team effort fuels Thunderbelles’ upset
Michelle Gamit earned best player of the game honors, finishing with 10 points on six attacks, two blocks, and two aces. She credited the team’s determination for the stunning victory.
“Everyone wanted to win, and thank God, all our hard work in training paid off,” Gamit said in Filipino.
Troncoso led the scoring for ZUS Coffee with 14 points, while Gonzaga and Thea Gagate added 11 each. Arroyo contributed 10 markers as the Thunderbelles matched the Angels in spikes with 45 each.
However, ZUS Coffee’s defensive play proved to be the difference. Troncoso anchored the net defense with five kill blocks, while Gagate added three, giving their team an 11-5 advantage in blocks.
Petro Gazz struggles under pressure
Van Sickle delivered a game-high 18 points for Petro Gazz, while Pablo chipped in 14 markers. However, Pablo struggled in crucial moments, committing two costly errors in the final set.
Aiza Pontillas contributed seven points, but the Angels will need to make major adjustments ahead of Game Two on Saturday to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Despite Petro Gazz’s experience as a two-time Reinforced Conference champion, ZUS Coffee displayed better chemistry and composure under pressure.
Playmaker Mondonedo leads the attack
At the center of it all was Cloanne Mondonedo, whose precise playmaking (19 excellent sets) disrupted Petro Gazz’s defense and kept their blockers guessing.
Gagate credited the team’s success to open communication and resilience, highlighting how early struggles only strengthened their resolve.
ZUS Coffee sets the tone early
The Thunderbelles showed no fear from the opening set, closing with a 10-5 run to steal the frame. Arroyo provided key points, while Gonzaga’s crosscourt kill gave ZUS Coffee a 15-11 lead.
Although the Angels fought back behind MJ Phillips, Troncoso and Gamit responded with crucial hits. Despite a late error that allowed Petro Gazz to pull within 18-21, ZUS Coffee remained composed, securing the set after back-to-back errors from the Angels.
ZUS Coffee capitalized on Petro Gazz’s inconsistency, scoring seven points off unforced errors while committing only two of their own. The Thunderbelles also controlled the net with three blocks, proving their defensive strength early on.
With momentum on their side, ZUS Coffee will look to complete the sweep in Game Two at Ynares Center in Antipolo.
