Jovelyn Gonzaga is upbeat about the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles' future after going toe-to-toe with the Akari Chargers.
Jovelyn Gonzaga marked her PVL return with the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in their opening match against the Akari Chargers in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Gonzaga and the Thunderbelles, however, fell short against the Chargers, losing in four sets, 14-25, 21-25, 25-19, 23-25, at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Thursday, November 14.
Despite the loss, Gonzaga, who finished with eight points, was pleased with ZUS Coffee's performance against a strong team like Akari.
“Happy ako na sa first game namin, naging ganito ang kinalabasan. Though nabitin kami, pero at least nagbigay kami ng magandang laban. And nangangapangapa pa, lumalabas pa rin talagang pagkabata ng team pero nandoon na kami,” Gonzaga told reporters after the loss.
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Aside from Gonzaga, fellow veteran spiker Chai Troncoso also made her debut for the Thunderbelles after signing with the team during the offseason.
Given the short turnaround, the 33-year-old opposite hitter admitted that they are still adjusting to their new squad.
“Late na rin si Chai na naging addition sa team, so makikita mo pa rin talaga na pag nag-rally na, nag-rattle-rattle na kami and all. Pero for sure, eventually, pag tuloy-tuloy ang team, mahaba ang conference. So, it's a good game as a first game,” said Gonzaga.
Under ZUS Coffee, Gonzaga is expected to bring her veteran leadership and experience to the Jerry Yee-led squad, which features the former core of the College of St. Benilde.
But seeing the discipline that her young teammates are already showing, Gonzaga is taking it upon herself to deliver when called upon.
“Mababait na bata, so mas siguro sa guide, ang presence ko is enough,” said Gonzaga.
“Akin nalang is to step up every single game, every single time na ginagamit ako ni Coach Jerry para at least makita din nila, ma-inspire din sila sa akin, na mas mapaganda pa lalo mga laro namin. So, more on, kailangan ko mag-step up, ‘yun nalang talaga yung iniisip ko lagi, every single time,” she added.
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Gonzaga and the Thunderbelles will go for their first win in the team’s PVL history when they go up against the Nxled Chameleons on Tuesday, November 19 at the Ynares Center Antipolo.