ZUS Coffee notched back-to-back wins for the second time in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference as it took a statement 25-22, 25-22, 23-25, 25-20 win over Chery Tiggo on Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
Setter-captain Cloanne Mondoñedo orchestrated what was arguably the biggest win of their year-old franchise with 17 excellent sets.
The Thunderbelles drww level with Akari at 4-4 before facing title protagonists Petro Gazz, Cignal and PLDT to end prelims play.
With its second defeat in three games, Chery Tiggo slides to 5-4 and joins a tight mid-table scramble in the seeding race ahead of the qualifying round.
Jovelyn Gonzaga’s vintage 20-point, 15-dig performance shone brightest for a ZUS Coffee side raring for a higher placement in the next round.
Another newcomer in Chai Troncoso also had a bright night with 18 points and 16 receptions, ahead of Thea Gagate (13), Chinnie Arroyo (12) and Mich Gamit (10).
Ara Galang’s 20 markers and rookie Karen Verdeflor’s near double-double on defense with 12 receptions and eight digs all went for naught as the Crossovers struggle to sustain their strong run of form.
Play strong, grow wiser
For a veteran champion mentor like Yee, it's one thing for teams to rack up results and become stronger with experience through time.
What matters most for him, however, with a young unit like ZUS Coffee is to gain much-needed wisdom and maturity by thinking sharply on their feet when the going gets tough on the taraflex.
Yee describes such a process as striking a balance between physical and mental fatigue.
"Kapag pagod ka na kasi, mahirap 'yung consistent ka pa rin, na tama pa rin 'yung decision-making, na tama pa rin 'yung kinikilos mo," Yee said.
"Kaya tayo nagwo-workout, kaya tayo nage-ensayo, kaya tayo nagre-repetitions, kasi kapag fourth, fifth set, pumapangit 'yung decision-making. Bumaba 'yung kondisyon or whatever. We have to work on those."
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