ZUS Coffee spoiled Capital1’s first-year anniversary match with a 31-29, 25-15, 25-15 win in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
Newcomer Chinnie Arroyo went on a tear in the endgame with 15 points on 13 attacks, one block, and one ace on 48 percent attacking efficiency.
After coming out on top in the longest first set of the year so far, the Thunderbelles refused to let the lead go this time around following their last two five-set meltdowns against sister teams Choco Mucho and Creamline.
This is ZUS Coffee’s first win of 2025, rising to 3-4 while keeping the Solar Spikers reeling on a three-game skid at 1-6.
Back-to-back 12-point performances from Mich Gamit and Chai Troncoso also helped the Thunderbelles’ cause in ending a three-game skid since November.
Captain Jorelle Singh led by example for the Solar Spikers with 10 attacks as the rest of her team lost steam in the last two sets.
Rookie libero Roma Doromal’s double-double of 17 receptions and 10 digs for Capital1 also went for naught.
Growing pains for the better
Now a fixture in ZUS Coffee's starting unit, the inaugural No. 1 draft pick has made the most of her rookie year so far — even in the stinging defeats they were dealt earlier this conference.
Gagate remains grateful, however, that she got to experience playing against high-quality teams both in the PVL and with Alas Pilipinas to hasten her learning curve as a pro player.
"Thankful ako na nakapag-experience ako ng ganung level of games, especially nu'ng nagka-five setter kami both teams (Creamline and Choco Mucho)," said Gagate.
"Malaking bagay siya for me as a rookie and also ‘yung experience ko nung national team kasi at least in those (five-set) games, aware ako sa tendencies ng mga naging teammates ko nu;n so malaking bagay talaga siya."
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