Chai Troncoso is relishing her starting role with ZUS Coffee as she led the Thunderbelles past her former team, the Cignal HD Spikers, to a crucial win in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference play-in tournament.
Chai Troncoso would not be denied this time around.
Troncoso made a statement against her former squad, leading the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles past the Cignal HD Spikers in a dramatic five-set battle, 19-25, 25-23, 25-20, 23-25, 15-12, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference play-in tournament at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday, March 11.
The 27-year-old spiker, now fully embracing her role with ZUS Coffee, delivered a team-high 21 points and orchestrated the offense with 17 excellent sets.
Going up against Cignal—her former team—was an emotional moment for Troncoso, who joined ZUS Coffee ahead of the All-Filipino Conference.
Nonetheless, she was focused on the present.
“Personally, nami-miss ko sila pero ayun nga, I’m with ZUS na. Bagong sistema, bagong team,” Troncoso shared to reporters after the match.
“Siguro na-embrace ko na din talaga ‘yung role ko sa ZUS with the help of my teammates, coaches, and management para makarating kung saan kami ngayon.”
While she acknowledged the foundation and experience she built with Cignal, Troncoso emphasized how she has grown with ZUS Coffee, embracing a bigger role within the team.
Troncoso also credited her time with Cignal for shaping her mentality and confidence, despite often coming off the bench.
“May factor din na nakakuha ako ng confidence sa Cignal. Kasi ‘yung nagiging mindset ng off-the-bench player is minimal lang ‘yung binibigay na playing time, so talagang siniseize namin ‘yung opportunity na ‘yun,” she explained. “Malaki din tiwala sa akin ng mga coaches sa Cignal and thankful ako dun.”
But with ZUS Coffee, Troncoso has fully embraced her expanded role, thriving as a key player rather than a secondary option.
“Dito, talagang inembrace ko ‘yung opportunity knowing na sa Cignal nagiging off-the-bench ako. This is what I want. Eto ‘yung gusto ko—na maglaro ako, magkaroon ako ng playing time,” she said.
“Thank you kasi binigyan ako ng ZUS Coffee ng opportunity to play with them.”
The Thunderbelles will look to complete the Pool A sweep and advance to the quarterfinals when they face the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Thursday, March 13, still at the PhilSports Arena.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco/One Sports Digital)