ZUS Coffee bounced back in a big way to cap its grueling weekend campaign, outlasting the Capital1 Solar Spikers in a heart-pounding five-set thriller, 20-25, 26-24, 23-25, 25-18, 15-11, in the PVL On Tour Sunday, July 6, night at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.

Less than 24 hours removed from a draining five-set loss to Akari, the Thunderbelles displayed incredible resolve and stamina, clawing back from a 1-2 set deficit to grind out their first win in Pool B action of the pre-season tournament.

Gonzaga, Miner lead ZUS Coffee’s clutch stand

Jovelyn Gonzaga was once again at the heart of ZUS Coffee’s offense, rising to the occasion with key hits in the decider. She opened the final set with three of their first four points and later slammed the door on Capital1 with two late kills, including the game-winner off an off-the-block smash.

Her timely hits were set up by a combination of hustle and defensive stops. A crucial overset by Capital1 was pounced on by Gonzaga for a 13-10 cushion, while earlier blocks on Shola Alvarez provided much-needed momentum. After Sydney Niegos extended the match with a kill, Gonzaga iced the win with a thunderous finish.

Rookie middle blocker AC Miner delivered a breakout performance, scoring 18 points highlighted by five blocks. “I gave it everything,” said Miner, who also credited her teammates for staying composed. “Even when we were down, we just kept pushing.”

Kate Santiago tallied 17 points, while Chinnie Arroyo, who led ZUS Coffee the night before, added nine. Fiola Ceballos and Mycah Go also stepped up with crucial contributions, scoring eight and seven markers respectively.

Capital1 falters late despite big numbers from key scorers

For Capital1, the loss was another bitter pill to swallow. Trisha Genesis erupted for 23 points, Alvarez had 22, and Niegos added 19, but the trio couldn’t prevent their team from suffering a fourth straight defeat in the PVL On Tour.

Despite leading in attacks, 74-68, the Solar Spikers crumbled in crunch time, committing 30 unforced errors compared to ZUS Coffee’s 21. The Thunderbelles also had the advantage in blocks (7-5) and playmaking, with Cloanne Mondonedo tallying 37 excellent sets against Iris Tolenada’s 32.

Capital1 started strong, closing out the first set on a high note, then bounced back from a Set 2 stumble to take a 2-1 lead. But ZUS Coffee seized control in the fourth and rode that momentum in the fifth, with Gonzaga, Miner, and Santiago leading the charge.

The Thunderbelles’ ability to close out the game and respond to pressure sets a positive tone as they continue their Pool B campaign, while Capital1 is left searching for answers to end their skid in the pre-season showcase organized by Sports Vision.