MANILA, Philippines — With Thea Gagate at the forefront,  ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles have experienced a lot of firsts — from the first win to their maiden winning streak and other achievements —  in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

In their latest breakthrough, Gagate helped ZUS Coffee book its first-ever playoffs after sweeping the play-in round with a 25-22, 25-17, 18-25, 25-17, on Thursday at Philsports Arena.

READ: PVL: ZUS Coffee books quarterfinals berth with play-in sweep

The Alas Pilipinas middle blocker, who had 13 points including four blocks, is thrilled to be part of the Thunderbelles’ roller coaster ride, leading to a best-of-three quarterfinals series against the No.2 Petro Gazz.

“I’m happy with our performance. Even though we faced a lot of challenges in this conference, it’s been a great learning experience for each of us. I’m also excited for the quarterfinals because that’s where the real battle begins,” said the top overall pick.

The three-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker out of La Salle attributed their success to the team’s chemistry and collective effort from being last year’s cellar dwellers.

READ: PVL: Thea Gagate eager to show more after much-awaited debut

With the team’s recent achievements, Gagate is still taking it one game at a time.

“I just try to stay in the present. I don’t want to rush into the future because the game is unpredictable, and all the teams are tough since we’re in the pro league. But at least now, we’re slowly solidifying our core, and I’m just really excited for the upcoming games,” she said.

Gagate and the Thunderbelles battle the streaking Angels on Tuesday in Game 1 at the same venue in Pasig City.

“It’s all about fighting. Like I said earlier, what we’ve been through wasn’t easy, so we have to give our best, put in all the effort, and apply everything we’ve learned from the qualification round,” she said.