Thea Gagate continues to prove why she was the No. 1 pick in the inaugural PVL Draft, after helping the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles move one step closer towards the PVL All-Filipino quarterfinals.
Being the No. 1 pick in the inaugural PVL Draft comes with plenty of expectations—and Thea Gagate continues to prove why she was the consensus choice.
The 6-foot-2 middle blocker delivered another stellar performance to help the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles take a step closer to their first-ever PVL quarterfinal appearance.
Gagate played a key role in the Thunderbelles' five-set upset over the Cignal HD Spikers in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference play-in tournament, finishing with 16 points on 12 attacks and four blocks.
For Gagate, motivation was key in this victory, especially after their loss to the HD Spikers in the preliminary round.
“'Yung bawi talaga from last game, especially ‘yung last game namin against Cignal. Nandun din ‘yung motivation kasi ‘yung mga kasama ko lumalaban pa rin, so hanggang kaya pa, laban lang,” Gagate said during the post-game press conference.
Since joining the team after her stint with Alas Pilipinas, Gagate has helped transform the once-winless ZUS Coffee squad into a legitimate playoff contender.
[ALSO READ: Thea Gagate unfazed by pressure of delivering success to ZUS Coffee after PVL debut]
Despite the weight of expectations of being the top draft pick, three-time Best Middle Blocker in the UAAP remains unfazed, focusing instead on her growth and contribution to the team.
“Honestly, hindi naman talaga kasi rookie pa rin ako kung tutuusin, so gusto ko ipakita kung ano ‘yung kaya and maka-contribute talaga sa team. I know this team has a very big potential and happy ako sa mga learning experiences na nakuha namin sa conference na ito,” Gagate said during the post-game press conference.
[ALSO READ: Thea Gagate living up to expectations as ZUS Coffee’s focal point in PVL All-Filipino Conference]
The former DLSU standout also emphasized the team’s steady improvement, crediting their growing chemistry as a key factor in their recent success.
“Siyempre, nakaka-panibago talaga siya nung una, but as time goes by, nagiging solid kami as a team. Happy din ako nasa team ako na maganda ‘yung relationship inside and outside the court kasi mata-translate talaga ‘yun sa laro.”
With Gagate embracing her role, ZUS Coffee is proving that they are no longer the same winless squad from previous seasons.
The Thunderbelles will look to secure the last final quarterfinal slot with a win against the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Thursday, March 13 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.