How the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles brewed a PVL playoff team

After two conferences without a single win, the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles have turned their fortunes around, securing a spot in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals.

Their rise to playoff contention was fueled by key roster moves and breakthrough performances.

Key Draft Pick: ZUS Coffee drafted Thea Gagate as the first overall pick in the inaugural PVL Draft in 2024.

Major Offseason Signings: The team strengthened its roster by acquiring Jovelyn Gonzaga, Chai Troncoso, Kate Santiago, Chinnie Arroyo, and Joan Narit ahead of the 2025 season.

Thea Gagate’s Debut: After missing the 2024 Reinforced Conference due to national team duty, Gagate finally suited up for ZUS Coffee in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference.

First Franchise Win: The Thunderbelles earned their first-ever victory on November 19, 2024, defeating the Nxled Chameleons.

This ended a 20-game losing skid to start their team’s history.

Near Upset of Creamline: ZUS Coffee nearly stunned the reigning Grand Slam champion Creamline Cool Smashers on December 12, 2024, pushing them to five sets before falling short.

Regular Season Finish: The Thunderbelles finished as the no. 9 seed with a 4-7 record in the All-Filipino Conference.

Play-in Tournament Success: Despite losing to PLDT in the qualifying round, ZUS Coffee dominated Pool A, defeating Cignal in five sets and Capital1 in four sets to secure a playoff berth.

In the victory over the no. 3 HD Spikers, the key offseason moves paid off with Troncoso scoring 21 points to haunt her former team, while Arroyo and Gagate scored 20 and 16 points, respectively.

Quarterfinals Challenge: ZUS Coffee will face the no. 2 Petro Gazz Angels in their first-ever PVL playoff appearance.

(With reports from Kiko Demigillo)

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[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]