ZUS Coffee banks on Jovelyn Gonzaga, Thea Gagate to deliver 1st PVL win against Nxled

ZUS Coffee’s key additions during the offseason paid off big time after achieving the franchise’s first win against Nxled, 19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-15, at the Ynares Center Antipolo on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

The additions of Jovelyn Gonzaga and no. 1 pick Thea Gagate proved to be the difference for the Thunderbelles, who also ended their 20-game losing skid which dated back to the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference in February.

In the fourth set, it was clear that Gonzaga and Gagate’s presence was needed to close out the victory amid a 7-0 run by the Chameleons.

After the win, coach Jerry Yee attributed the team’s first win to its veteran and experienced additions, emphasizing that this is only the start for ZUS Coffee.

“‘Yung mga veterans, ang laking bagay sa amin kasi we know the tempo, we know the fight, we know the hits, pero ang ‘di namin alam is ‘yung pag-slow down, ‘yung mag-drop kung kailan kailangan mag-drop lang, ‘yung mag-place kung kailan kailangan mag-place lang,” Yee said during the post-game press conference.

“They complement the young energy ng mga bata. Paminsan kasi, you just don’t teach slowing down. Tinatanong ko nga kina Jov, saan ba nabibili ‘yan eh,” he added.

Yee also lauded the contributions of Chai Troncoso, who was also a late addition to the Thunderbelles during the offseason.

“Si Jov, si Troncoso, if you watched the game, ‘yung mga crucial points namin, galing sa good placement ng bola nila. Thea is Thea, siyempre kumbaga sa blocking ni Thea, medyo challenging talaga para sa kanila,” said Yee.

Gonzaga led the Thunderbelles with 23 points on 20 attacks and three blocks. 

Gagate contributed 16 points, five of which came as blocks. Troncoso put up eight in the win.

Chiara Permentilla paced Nxled with 19 points, while Lucille Almonte had 12 markers.

ZUS Coffee will have a long break ahead of them as they face the Galeries Tower Highrisers next on Nov. 28 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.