ZUS Coffee rallied from a two-set hole to reverse-sweep Choco Mucho, 22-25, 20-25, 25-16, 25-17, 15-10, completing the 2025 PVL on Tour quarterfinals cast on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena
The Thunderbelles won their fourth five-setter out of five so far in this preseason, and their most important one yet, since losing their tournament opener to Akari.
Back-to-back playoff appearances are in order for ZUS Coffee following their All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals breakthrough five months ago.
Standing in their way of a first-ever semifinals stint is PLDT, the last undefeated team this preseason.
Chinnie Arroyo lifted the Thunderbelles from the jaws of defeat with 21 points on 20 attacks and one ace.
Fiola Ceballos and AC Miner also had four blocks each.
"Sobra kaming grateful kasi sa pangalawang conference na nandito rin ako. Naka-dalawang quarterfinals appearance na ‘yung team so far at bumubunga na ‘yung hirap namin sa training and grateful talaga din ako sa relationship ng team," said Jovelyn Gonzaga.
"Nag-reflect na ‘yung laro namin kung gaano kami ka-solid sa loob at sa labas."
Brewing a winning upset
Isa Molde had a storming start for the Flying Titans en route to her career-high 27-point, 14-reception performance.
Even Royse Tubino (17 points) and rookie Ayesha Juegos (11 points) were on a tear off the beat in leading Choco Mucho's commanding two-set start.
The match took a turn for the five-set-savvy Thunderbelles as Arroyo and Gonzaga (16 points) got their motor going with a pair of lopsided set wins to force yet another five-setter.
Sudden death turned into a one-sided contest, with ZUS Coffee embarking on an 8-2 blitz to book the last quarterfinals ticket.
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