ZUS Coffee looks to complete its fairy-tale rise with a historic first PVL championship as it battles powerhouse Petro Gazz in the winner-take-all Reinforced Conference Finals.
A dream run meets its biggest test yet as the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles shoot for the first championship in franchise history when they battle the Petro Gazz Angels in the winner-take-all 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference Finals on Sunday, November 30, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Defying expectations and rewriting their own ceiling this season, the Thunderbelles enter the finale brimming with confidence after dismantling two-time conference winners PLDT in straight sets during the semifinals.
For a team that only made the playoffs once in the past year, the turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable.
A huge part of their rise has been the veteran leadership and steady two-way presence of Jovelyn Gonzaga, whose composure and reliability have anchored ZUS Coffee’s young but fearless roster.
[ALSO READ: Emotional Jovelyn Gonzaga proud of ZUS Coffee’s first-ever PVL Finals berth]
Her experience as a former national-team standout has provided invaluable calm in high-stakes moments, complementing the explosive scoring of import Anna DeBeer.
DeBeer, the team’s offensive engine, continues to impress with elite firepower and consistency, but she is far from alone.
[ALSO READ: Anna DeBeer chases long-awaited championship as ZUS Coffee reaches first PVL Finals]
The Thunderbelles’ balanced attack has also thrived behind Chinnie Arroyo, AC Miner, Thea Gagate, and the ever-improving chemistry with elite playmaker Cloanne Mondonedo.
On the defensive end, libero Alyssa Eroa remains one of the tournament’s most dependable anchors.
[ALSO READ: Alyssa Eroa turns second chance into historic PVL Finals run with ZUS Coffee]
ZUS Coffee also draws confidence from its straight-set victory over the Angels in the preliminary round. But the Finals are a different battleground entirely.
Still, the spotlight is firmly on ZUS Coffee and its unlikely but inspiring ascent. With Gonzaga’s leadership guiding a young, hungry crew, the Thunderbelles are determined to complete their fairy-tale run with the franchise’s first PVL crown.
The championship showdown will begin at 5:00 p.m.
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo)
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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]