Jovelyn Gonzaga and Mich Gamit have taken to heart all the heartbreaks and lessons from ZUS Coffee's journey to the PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals.
The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles have turned heads with their strong performance in the play-in tournament and the quarterfinals of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
From early struggles to a statement Game 1 win in the quarterfinals against the Petro Gazz Angels, the Thunderbelles have undergone a remarkable transformation.
For Jovelyn Gonzaga and Mich Gamit, it all boils down to attitude and trust in the process.
Even before joining ZUS Coffee, Gonzaga already saw something special in the squad.
"Actually bago ako dumating sa ZUS, alam ko talagang ang taas ng potential ng team," Gonzaga shared during the post-game press conference. "And lagi ko ‘yan sinasabi sa bawat isa--na malayo ang mararating ng team."
Gonzaga added that the key factor in the team’s growth has been their collective mindset—one that embraces learning and perseverance, even through setbacks.
“Feeling ko nagbo-boil down talaga sa attitude ng player. And ‘yun ang nakikita ko sa ZUS. Happy ako sa bawat araw… Basta thankful ako sa kanila.”
The 33-year-old opposite hitter also credited the extended conference for allowing them to refine their chemistry and adjust to challenges along the way.
"Thankful din kami na mahaba ‘yung liga, unti-unti ‘yung chemistry nawo-work out namin. Kung ano mang kulang namin, willingly nag-submit ang bawat isa sa coaching staff, sa program ng coaching staff."
Even in losses, Gonzaga saw the team’s fighting spirit remain intact, fueling their continuous improvement.
During the preliminary round, ZUS Coffee saw themselves fall to championship contenders such as Creamline and Choco Mucho in five-set thrillers.
Now, the Jerry Yee-led squad finds themselves using all of that experience to move on win away from their first-ever semifinal appearance.
“Ang maganda sa team kasi ‘di nawawalan ng pag-asa. Like matatalo kami, pagbalik sa court, bagong goal kami ulit.”
[ALSO READ: How the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles brewed a PVL playoff team]
Meanwhile, Gamit pointed to Gonzaga’s leadership as one of the biggest influences on the team, particularly in handling adversity.
“Si Ate Jov kasi nagre-remind sa amin na ‘yung mga losses namin, nakikita niya bagsak ‘yung shoulders, so ili-lift niya kami na pagdadaanan talaga namin ‘yung mga losses na ‘yun—mga five sets na sayang,” Gamit shared.
Rather than dwelling on close defeats, Gonzaga consistently reminded them that struggles are part of the journey.
“Sabihin niya na hindi tayo magma-mature o mananalo kung hahayaan lang natin ‘yun. So, naging motivation namin ‘yung past losses namin.”
Needing just one more win to move on to the next round, the Thunderbelles are out to prove that they are not just here to compete—they are here to make history.