Jovelyn Gonzaga admitted that the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles were caught up by the high expectations set for them in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Third time’s the charm for the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
After a 0-2 start, the Thunderbelles nabbed their first win after surviving the Akari Chargers in five sets, 16-25, 25-18, 18-25, 25-23, 15-12, on Thursday, Feb. 12, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Veteran leader Jovelyn Gonzaga was front and center in the win, registering 14 points on 12 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces.
After the match, Gonzaga admitted a sigh of relief for ZUS Coffee, who now sit with a 1-2 record.
"Thankful ako sa bawat isa kasi ‘yun nga, sabi ng coaching staff nag-step up talaga bawat isa," Gonzaga said during the post-game press conference. "More than the winning and the trophies, ang importante malagpasan namin ng team kung ano 'mang pinagdadaanan ngayon."
"Testament ngayon ‘yung win namin na kahit papaano, unti-unti nakakausad kami."
A much-needed reset for ZUS Coffee
The 34-year-old veteran admitted that the Thunderbelles' struggles were not limited to results, as even she found herself battling personal lapses over the past few games.
Instead of pointing fingers, Gonzaga emphasized how the group leaned on each other to stay intact.
"Panalo na kami dun na hindi kami bumibitaw. Hindi kami naglalaglagan," she said. "Sinosolusyunan namin kung ano 'man 'yung problema ng team."
Gonzaga also revealed how ZUS Coffee had to confront the pressure brought by expectations following the team’s silver medal finish in the 2025 Reinforced Conference.
It didn’t help as well that rookie AC Miner has yet to suit up for the team due to a shin injury, while head coach Jerry Yee will be out for at least a month due to health reasons.
"Ang daming uncertainties na nangyari," she explained. "Pressure siya, which is naging blinded kami sa realidad na nag-set kami ng standard."
"Hinumble kami, binalik kami sa zero," Gonzaga said. "I-delete muna lahat ng nangyari—achievements, trophies. Balik muna kami sa basic—paano kami nagsimula at saan kami nanggaling—para makapagsimula muli as a team."
With the skid behind them, Gonzaga hopes the win becomes a turning point for the Thunderbelles as they ready themselves to face the Creamline Cool Smashers on Tuesday, Feb. 17
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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.