Thea Gagate was a difference-maker in the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles' first-ever win in the PVL against the Nxled Chameleons.
In just her second game in the PVL, Thea Gagate showed exactly why she was selected first overall by ZUS Coffee in the inaugural Rookie Draft.
Gagate, along with Jovelyn Gonzaga, pounced on the Nxled Chameleons for the franchise’s first-ever victory at the Ynares Center Antipolo on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
The 6-foot-2 middle blocker scored 16 points on 10 attacks, five blocks, and one service ace in the Thunderbelles’ four-set victory, 19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-15.
“Of course, mindset ko lang always sa game is kaya namin. Kahit ano'ng mangyari, laban lang nang laban kasi 'yon nga, sabi ni ate Jov lahat kami may talent and potential. Kailangan lang namin puliduhin together as a team para makuha 'yung panalo,” Gagate said during the post-game press conference.
[ALSO READ: ZUS Coffee banks on Jovelyn Gonzaga, Thea Gagate to deliver 1st PVL win against Nxled]
ZUS Coffee had to wait an entire conference for Gagate to finally make her debut for the team.
That wait was seemingly worth it as the 24-year-old star ended the Thunderbelles’ 20-game losing skid.
Despite the pressure of being the no. 1 pick, Gagate was unfazed and focused on helping her team in any way she could.
“'Yung pressure siguro nando'n pero 'yon nga, as what I always say, I just look on the positive side na one game at a time, kailangan talaga namin tiyagain and 'yon nga, hopefully, pwede rin ako magturo sa kanila ng mga natutunan ko especially with the national team,” said Gagate.
With their breakthrough win finally secured, the work continues for the Thunderbelles as they look to continue their winning ways in the extended All-Filipino Conference.
Gagate emphasized the importance of familiarity within the young ZUS Coffee squad, especially with several new additions during the offseason. This includes Gonzaga, Chai Troncoso, Kate Santiago, Chinnie Arroyo, and Joan Narit.
“For me naman po, personally, 'yung communication talaga kasi kahit sabihin natin na bago kaming players, bago kaming team, kailangan lang namin tiyagain through communication kasi do'n talaga magsisimula lahat pati 'yung teamwork,” said Gagate.
ZUS Coffee will go for back-to-back wins against the Galeries Tower Highrisers on Nov. 28 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.