ZUS Coffee just brewed its biggest win yet, maybe even ever.
The Thunderbelles pulled off a massive Game One upset over Petro Gazz, 25-21, 25-23, 27-25, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.
Down one set point at 24-25, Jovelyn Gonzaga rallied ZUS Coffee on with the game-winning block on an erratic Myla Pablo to cap her 11-point game and move one win away from an unlikely semifinals appearance.
In doing so, the year-old franchise snapped the two-time PVL champions Angels’ league-best 10-game win streak, effectively dealing them a costly first loss in 2025 that has sent the No. 2 seed on the brink of elimination.
The win also gave the Thunderbelles their longest-ever win streak at three after racking up twin victories in the play-in tournament.
It was a moment that left Gonzaga and all of ZUS Coffee at a loss for words.
"Sobra akong speechless. Grabe 'yung teamwork na pinakita ng team. Very selfless 'yung pinakita, gagalaw talaga kami for each and everyone of us, for the team, for the coaching staff," Gonzaga said.
Mich Gamit, who pitched in 10 markers, added: "Hindi naman sila (Petro Gazz) basta-basta na team. Lahat silang naglalaro, mga veterans na sa loob at gagawin din naman nila lahat para maka-puntos.
"Thankful kami na mas nauna kaming (manalo ngayon)."
Should ZUS Coffee close out the series in four days’ time, it will become the lowest-seeded team to reach a PVL semifinals since seventh-ranked Banko Perlas won bronze in the 2018 Reinforced Conference.
Angels' wings clipped
Reigning conference MVP and the Angels' leading scorer Brooke Van Sickle still had a triple-double in her even in defeat with 18 points, 13 digs and 11 receptions.
Pablo also had a decent 14-piece on 13 attacks and one ace.
Pressure's on them this time after its first loss of 2025 to avoid Petro Gazz’ fourth no-show in a PVL semifinals in five conferences, should they fail to mount a series comeback.
Last year’s draft lottery winners can march onto the semifinals for the first time in franchise history come Game 2 on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
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