ZUS Coffee is off to a fine start in its young franchise history after the Thunderbelles grabbed their first back-to-back wins.
A new era has dawned for ZUS Coffee following its impressive start to the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The Thunderbelles currently sit with a 2-1 record for third in the standings, fresh off their straight-set win over the Galeries Tower Highrisers at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Thursday, November 28.
It has been a breath of fresh air for ZUS Coffee, who before this new conference, failed to win a game since joining the league earlier this year.
Following their win over the Highrisers, head coach Jerry Yee is excited for what’s to come for his squad after securing the franchise’s first win streak.
"Excited syempre. We see them practice, we see them improve. Gusto namin 'yung growth, gusto namin 'yung maturity lalo 'yung dala ng mga veteran. Ang laki ng push para sa'min, so hopefully magtuloy-tuloy kami,” Yee said during the post-game press conference.
But what has seemingly changed for the Thunderbelles amid their strong start to the conference?
While many would easily point it to the arrival of no. 1 pick Thea Gagate or veteran spiker Jovelyn Gonzaga, Yee noted how it became a multiplier for ZUS Coffee this conference.
“'Pag-ka may talent, talagang malaki difference. 'Pag higher tier ‘yung recruits mo, malaking bagay,” Yee emphasized. “Thea will be Thea agad. Iba ‘yung nandiyan siya--blocking and offense, may lamang ka na agad.”
“'Pag may height and skills, ‘di pwedeng kulang-kulang eh. Kasi pag may depensa, wala kang opensa, wala kang blocking. Ang hirap maglaro ng ganun kung kulang kulang. This time, in terms of height, skills, meron kami. Ganda, meron kami. Better kung meron kang materyales. 'Pag wala, how can you work 'di ba?” he added.
[ALSO READ: Thea Gagate living up to expectations as ZUS Coffee’s focal point in PVL All-Filipino Conference]
But the work doesn’t stop there for the Thunderbelles as they look for their third-straight win against the Farm Fresh Foxies next Thursday, December 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
“Laro lang kami. It doesn’t matter sino ‘yung nasa kabilang court pagkapito ni referee, game on na. Friends naman kami everyone after ng game before the game pero during game lalaro kami,” said Yee.