ZUS Coffee rallied from two sets down to defeat Choco Mucho in five sets, showcasing their resilience to advance to the PVL on Tour quarterfinals.
Gone are the days when ZUS Coffee faltered in five-setters.
On Tuesday, the Thunderbelles showed once again why they’ve earned a reputation as five-set specialists, completing a stunning comeback against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 22–25, 20–25, 25–16, 25–17, 15–10, in the PVL on Tour knockout round at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
It was ZUS Coffee’s fifth five-setter of the tournament, and just like before, the team rose to the challenge. Chinnie Arroyo delivered a game-high 21 points, while veteran leader Jovelyn Gonzaga chipped in 16 markers to spark the turnaround.
“Nasanay na ata kami,” Arroyo laughingly said during the post-game press conference. “Ayaw naman namin na parang ayaw na namin ilaban ‘yung fifth set…eh nandun na po kami, so why not ilaban na po namin.”
“Maganda siyang learning experience sa team actually and siguro ‘di na namin iniisip ‘yung mga early sets. Nag-focus, nag-review talaga kami na magbaback to zero. Tapos so ‘yun and nasanay na rin siguro. Nakakapagod, pero ‘yun grateful kasi panalo rin,” Gonzaga added.
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Climbing back from a 2-0 deficit, the Thunderbelles drew inspiration from their previous five-setters to stay composed and secure their spot in the quarterfinals.
For Gonzaga, a change in how they viewed the game seemingly spelled the difference.
“Siguro tumatak na lang sa isip sa amin na ilaro na lang namin ‘yung laro namin, kasi very stiff kami noong first and second set. Hindi kami maka-execute ng plan na kailangan namin i-execute,” Gonzaga explained. “Kaya noong third set in-enjoy na lang namin, kung paano tayo sa training, kung paano tayo mag tune-up game."
“Kaya parang the later part nag-e-enjoy na lang talaga kami.”
The same sentiment was shared by Arroyo, who has been a constant in ZUS Coffee’s victories in the preseason tilt.
“Since nangyayari na din po ‘to noong last, kaya ang tumatak na lang po sa isip namin na kailangan po namin makakakuha ng [at least] set para tuloy-tuloy na at umaarangkada na rin po kami,” Arroyo added.
With yet another five-set thriller under their belt, ZUS Coffee marches into the quarterfinals on Thursday, August 7, with their biggest challenge yet as they go up against the unbeaten PLDT High Speed Hitters.