Amid all the pressure that comes with being the top pick, Thea Gagate remains focused on team growth as the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles reached their first PVL playoffs.
Thea Gagate has made history for the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, leading them to their first win and first-ever playoff appearance in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The top pick of the 2024 PVL Draft finished with 13 points built on nine attacks and four blocks, as the Thunderbelles secured a four-set victory over the Capital1 Solar Spikers, 25-22, 25-17, 18-25, 25-17, on Thursday, March 13, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
With a conference full of firsts, Gagate remains focused on the present, understanding the challenges that come with playing in the professional league.
"Palagi lang naman akong nag-se-stay present. Ayokong masyadong mag-jump to the future agad, kasi bilog lang ang bola, and lahat ng teams talaga palaban, and pro league na ‘to," Gagate said during the post-game press conference.
"At least ngayon, unti-unti na namin sini-solid ‘yung core namin, and excited lang talaga ako sa mga upcoming games."
[ALSO READ: Thea Gagate undaunted by top pick pressure as ZUS Coffee nears first PVL quarterfinal berth]
Despite the growing expectations, Gagate remains grateful for the unwavering support of her teammates, coaches, and the ZUS Coffee management as they continue to develop chemistry as a newly formed squad.
"Thankful talaga ako sa bawat isa—sa teammates, coaches, and sa management namin kasi hindi sila nagsasawang suportahan kami. Kasi alam namin na fresh pa lang kami na team, and ngayon pa lang kami nag-ge-gel, so happy lang ako," she shared.
[ALSO READ: Thea Gagate living up to expectations as ZUS Coffee’s focal point in PVL All-Filipino Conference]
With their playoff ticket secured, Gagate and the Thunderbelles will look to build on their momentum as they set their sights on making an even bigger splash in the postseason.
ZUS Coffee will face the Petro Gazz Angels in the best-of-three quarterfinal series starting on March 18.