At the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday night, ZUS Coffee shocked everyone by defeating a much favored Petro Gazz team by scores of 25-21, 25-23, and 27-25 in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

The victory changed the course of the match against a squad with a wealth of championship experience and put the Thunderbelles on the verge of a historic semifinal appearance.

Ironically, in contrast to their more seasoned opponents, the Thunderbelles showed maturity beyond their years by remaining composed and defeating the Angels in a thrilling, tense, long third set to win the match in a thrilling one-hour, thirty-five-minute match. They gained a vital 1-0 lead in their best-of-three quarterfinal series thanks to the incredible victory.

In a thrilling power battle at the conclusion of the third period, rising sensation Chinnie Arroyo bravely faced off against the strong Brooke Van Sickle, scoring two clutch kills to Van Sickle’s three. A fierce effort by the Petro Gazz ace knotted the score at 24, and a rare mistake by Chai Troncoso gave the Angels a temporary advantage.

But the always dependable Jovelyn Gonzaga stepped up precisely when it counted. In order to give ZUS Coffee the advantage, the seasoned captain first forced an extra point with a critical block touch against Myla Pablo. Myla Pablo then misfired on a crosscourt attack.

Gonzaga took advantage of the situation and secured the victory with a timely solo block off Pablo, sending the Thunderbelles into a wild celebration as though they had just won the title.

That might not be such a crazy concept given the way this underdog team is performing.

As ZUS Coffee’s perseverance pays off, Gamit shines. Michelle Gamit attributed ZUS Coffee’s outstanding accomplishment to the team’s steadfast perseverance and diligent training. She put on a tremendous display, scoring 10 points with two blocks, two aces, and six attacks. Her work was essential in the Thunderbelles’ unexpected triumph over Petro Gazz, which moved them one step closer to a historic Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference semifinal participation.

Every member of the team was motivated by the same objective, according to Gamit: to win. Their achievement was largely attributed to their unwavering preparedness and dedication during training sessions. She emphasized how the team’s combined efforts enabled them to successfully carry out their strategy and overcome a strongly favored opponent.

They relied on their chemistry, which they developed during the late preliminary and qualifying rounds, with little help from coach Jerry Yee.

With 45 attacks apiece, the Thunderbelles fought the Angels to a stalemate in the spiking department, with Troncoso leading the charge for ZUS Coffee with 14 points, Gonzaga and Gagate each contributing 11 points, and Arroyo finishing with 10 markers.

But the difference was created by ZUS Coffee’s supremacy on the net. With five kill blocks from Troncoso and three more from Gagate, the defense was able to outscore Petro Gazz with 11 blocks.

Pablo contributed 14 points, while Van Sickle scored a game-high 18. Pablo battled under pressure and made two costly mistakes in the closing minutes of the game, while Van Sickle increased the ante.

Cloanne Mondonedo was the driving force behind it all. Her brilliant playmaking (19 outstanding sets) kept Petro Gazz on its heels, breaking down their defense and revealing weaknesses from the back row, the wings, and the net.

As anticipated, Petro Gazz took the lead early on, but ZUS Coffee settled into a groove and scored four points in a row, interspersed with a nimble Gonzaga crosscourt attack that put the young, inexperienced team up 15–11.

Van Sickle’s lone score was offset by important hits from Troncoso and Gamit. ZUS Coffee maintained composure in the face of a minor lapse at 18–21 when Troncoso made an attack error that allowed the Angels to close in. Troncoso answered with a well-placed strike, and Petro Gazz made two important errors that increased the distance. Mondonedo skillfully set up Arroyo to unleash the last punches, leaving the Angels surprised as the set slipped away.

ZUS Coffee took advantage of Petro Gazz’s shortcomings, scoring seven points off unforced errors while committing just two of their own, even though Petro Gazz won the spiking battle 17–13. With three blocks, two more than the Angels, the Thunderbelles demonstrated their defensive prowess and tenacity in the first game.