December 08, 2024

PVL Team Preview: ZUS Coffee adds vital pieces to storm into the All-Filipino Conference

PVL Team Preview: ZUS Coffee adds vital pieces to storm into the All-Filipino Conference
The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles added key pieces in the hopes of securing their first win in the PVL. | Art by Mitzi Solano/One Sports

2024 Reinforced Conference record: 0-8 (12th place)

Key additions: Jovelyn Gonzaga, Chai Troncoso, Kate Santiago, Joan Narit, Chinnie Arroyo

Key players: Thea Gagate, Cloanne Mondoñedo, Sharya Ancheta

Coach: Jerry Yee

One word to describe ZUS Coffee’s upcoming campaign

Revamped.

The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles had one of the busiest offseasons ahead of the upcoming 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

The team snapped several key pieces to help secure their first win in the league, including veteran spiker Jovelyn Gonzaga, who will make her return after a year.

Despite being new to ZUS Coffee, the Bionic Ilongga has already felt a warm welcome from her new teammates.

“Sobrang thankful ako kasi hindi ako naka-feel na any na na-OP [out of place] ako or feeling na kailangan ko ng malaking adjustment, hindi, never ko na-feel ‘yun,” Gonzaga told One Sports.

“Thankful ako sa mga teammates ko ngayon kasi very welcoming sila and sa bagay, volleyball, same language. Nagkakaintindihan kayo kaagad and nage-gets niyo isa’t isa,” she added.

[ALSO READ: ‘Dun ko na-feel ‘yung excitement’: Jovelyn Gonzaga explains decision to join ZUS Coffee in PVL return]

Of course, aside from Gonzaga, the Thunderbelles continued to reload during the offseason, bringing in Chai Troncoso and signing former Farm Fresh Foxies Kate Santiago, Joan Narit, and Chinnie Arroyo to the fold.

But it won't be too drastic of a change for the Foxies, since they would be reuniting with coach Jerry Yee.

[ALSO READ: Bond beyond court: Kate Santiago and Trisha Tubu share an unbreakable friendship despite being on different teams]

From being a young and inexperienced team, ZUS Coffee will have all the tools they need to improve in the standings.

Biggest X-Factor for ZUS Coffee this season

Thea Gagate.

Just how big will Gagate’s impact be right away for the Thunderbelles?

After missing out on the Reinforced Conference due to Alas Pilipinas duties, the no. 1 pick in the inaugural PVL Draft is finally all set to play for ZUS Coffee.

Despite the high expectations set on her, the 6-foot-2 middle blocker is taking things one game at a time but hopes that she can indeed provide success to the young franchise.

“Personal goals would be maybe just contribute a lot and help the team win games. ‘Yun talaga ‘yung ultimate goal and eventually I can also get an award. I’ll work on that,” said Gagate.

[ALSO READ: No. 1 pick Thea Gagate eager to deliver wins for ZUS Coffee as she readies for PVL debut]

Best-case scenario

ZUS Coffee starts the season on a positive note, winning games against teams of their caliber.

Gonzaga provides her steady presence on the court, while Gagate proves why she was indeed a consensus top overall pick.

A semifinals appearance won’t necessarily be the goal for the Thunderbelles but getting wins should mark a successful campaign for them to build on in the next conferences.

Worst-case scenario

The Thunderbelles have yet to fully adapt and gel with one another, forcing them to start slow in the conference. Managing to win just two games will be a disappointing campaign for ZUS Coffee.

Bold prediction

From going winless in the past two conferences, ZUS Coffee will secure at least six wins in the extended All-Filipino Conference.

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