Jovelyn Gonzaga did not hold back tears as the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles head to their first-ever PVL Finals in franchise history.
Jovelyn Gonzaga immediately dropped to the floor in tears as ZUS Coffee secured its first-ever PVL Finals berth.
The Thunderbelles made history after pulling off a stunning sweep against the PLDT High Speed Hitters, 25-22, 28-26, 25-22, on Thursday, November 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
For the 34-year-old veteran, the moment was overwhelming, not just because of the result, but because of the journey that brought their young franchise to the biggest stage.
“Una sa lahat, thank you kay Anna [DeBeer] kasi ang laking factor niya kung bakit nakaabot kami,” Gonzaga told reporters after the match.
“Thank you sa coaching staff na hindi talaga nagsasawang turuan kami from the start hanggang ngayon. And thankful din kami sa management kasi all out support eh.”
Total team effort to rise to the top
From the start, Gonzaga noted that ZUS Coffee’s success has been rooted in team character.
“‘Yung ugali ng team. Siguro, ‘yun talagang hina-highlight ko palagi, kung gano'ng ka-committed ang team, kung gano'ng kakalmado 'yung team namin, kung gano'ng kami ka-selfless sa bawat isa na we perform for each other and with each other."
Jovelyn Gonzaga and ZUS Coffee in action during the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference semifinals. | Photo: PVL
Now the most seasoned member of the ZUS roster, Gonzaga embraces her leadership role, but never forgets to enjoy the game.
“Tanggap ko ‘yan,” she said. “Sobra akong out of words sa nangyayari kasi walang talaga kami expectation, nandiyan lang kami ‘yung mga bata na pinalaro.”
“It's a total team effort. Nakikita niyo naman na bawat isa nag-step up. Bawat isa nilaban na may puso, so siguro ‘yun ang naging outcome talaga.”
[ALSO READ: Jovelyn Gonzaga finds joy in ZUS Coffee’s growing winning culture in PVL Reinforced]
Ready to finish the story
With the Thunderbelles now headed to the Finals to face the Petro Gazz Angels, Gonzaga promised that their historic run is far from over.
[ALSO READ: Petro Gazz punches ticket to PVL Reinforced Finals after escaping Akari in five-set semis thriller]
“We will give our best again. Total team effort. Nandito na kami, binigay na ‘to ni Lord sa amin, so susuklian namin,” she said.
“Sobrang nakaka-appreciate din namin 'yung mga fans na nanood sa amin. Dumadami na sila. Thank you so much, ZUS family. We will give a good fight.”
The 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference Finals is set for Sunday, November 30, still at the Big Dome.
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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.