ZUS Coffee seized its chance to shine in Candon City, pulling off a gutsy five-set comeback win over Chery Tiggo, 19-25, 25-22, 18-25, 25-19, 15-6, in Tuesday’s (July 29) PVL On Tour showdown.

Down 1-2 and in danger of elimination, the Thunderbelles turned the tide late in the fourth before racing through the decider in dominant fashion. Chery Tiggo, once in prime position to seal a quarterfinals berth, faltered under pressure as ZUS Coffee mounted a signature late-match surge.

Fourth five-setter, third win for rising Thunderbelles

This marked the Thunderbelles’ fourth five-set match in five prelim games – and their third win in such scenarios, reinforcing their reputation as closers when matches stretch to the limit. Their previous five-set victory over powerhouse Creamline last July 19 sent shockwaves across the league.

“We still have a lot to prove. I think we’re not quite there yet,” said Cloanne Mondonedo, who was named Best Player of the Game after dishing out 36 excellent sets. “We just don’t want to go home with regrets.”

Mondonedo also contributed two points and ran the offense with precision, helping AC Miner explode for 19 points. Kate Santiago chipped in 13, while Chinnie Arroyo and Chai Troncoso had 11 and 10, respectively.

Chery Tiggo falters despite stat edge

Renee Peñafiel led Chery Tiggo with 19 points, followed by Cess Robles with 18, Imee Hernandez with 14, and Ara Galang with 11. The Crossovers led in attacks, 69-58, but were undone by 29 unforced errors and a breakdown in the fifth set.

ZUS Coffee outblocked their foes 11-8, with Miner leading the charge in the crucial fourth set with key blocks and running spikes. The Thunderbelles committed only 12 errors, showcasing better discipline down the stretch.

After forcing a decider, ZUS Coffee never looked back. A 4-0 run capped by Arroyo’s clutch hits and Santiago’s blast opened an insurmountable lead, culminating in Jovelyn Gonzaga’s emphatic game-winner.

Though Creamline ultimately secured the last quarterfinal berth through superior tiebreak points, ZUS Coffee’s thrilling run proved one thing — when it goes to five, the Thunderbelles don’t just survive. They thrive.