Cloanne Mondoñedo downplayed her Best Setter ranking, crediting her teammates’ solid reception and her evolving decision-making for ZUS Coffee’s unbeaten run in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
ZUS Coffee setter Cloanne Mondoñedo isn’t letting the numbers get to her head.
The former NCAA MVP is leading all setters in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference with 6.09 excellent sets per frame after four games.
Mondoñedo currently tops the Best Setter race ahead of fellow standouts Alohi Robins-Hardy (Farm Fresh), Janel Maraguinot (Nxled), and Kim Fajardo (PLDT).
Yet for the steady Thunderbelles floor general, personal accolades are secondary to the team’s success.
“Best Setter talaga na ‘yan. As much as ayoko tignan ‘yan, tina-tag ako ng mga friends ko,” Mondoñedo told One Sports. “Hindi naman ‘yun ‘yung goal ko. Ang goal ko is makatulong sa team para makapunta sa top.”
“Siguro ito na ‘yung Clo na simula nung college hanggang ngayon. Mas ini-improve ko na lang ‘yung decision-making kasi ang dami kong natutunan sa mga veterans sa PVL,” she added.
Teammates make it look easy
Coming off a stunning straight-sets win over Petro Gazz, Mondoñedo credited her teammates’ solid reception and floor defense for making her job look effortless.
The former CSB standout finished the match with 23 excellent sets to go along with two markers.
Cloanne Mondoñedo serves the ball during ZUS Coffee's victory over Petro Gazz in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. | Photo: PVL
“Sabi ko nga sa kanila every game, thank you kasi pinapadali nila ‘yung life ko. Nagmumukha akong magaling though, it’s because of the passing na na-receive ng mga teammates ko,” she shared. “Very thankful ako kasi dahil doon, madali kong nadi-distribute nang maayos ‘yung bola.”
Quick instincts and confidence
When asked how she decides who gets the set in pressure moments, Mondoñedo revealed that instincts and trust play a huge role.
These led to American import Anna DeBeer scoring 23 points, while AC Miner added 11 markers in the win. Six other ZUS Coffee players also scored at least point in the victory.
“Alam mo kasi, sa game, bahala na sa game. To be honest, minsan biglaan talaga ‘yung decision-making. Pero may konting silip, tingin, and kung sino ‘yung kumpiyansa,” she explained. “Kapag nakikita ko na ay, papatay ito ng bola, doon ko ibibigay ‘yung bola.”
Under her steady hands, the Thunderbelles have remained undefeated at 4-0, sitting comfortably atop Pool B as one of the favorites in the conference.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.