ZUS Coffee’s Chai Troncoso during a game against Cignal in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–ZUS Coffee refused to be dragged toward the exit late Monday night, staying in the hunt for a quarterfinal spot with a stunning triumph over Cignal, 19-25, 25-23, 25-20, 23-25, 15-12, in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All Filipino Conference.
Chai Troncoso delivered the killer blows at the end of the marathon, scoring the Thunderbelles’ final three points punctuated by an attack that sustained the excitement in their face-off with the Capital1 Solar Spikers play-in finale on Thursday.
“This win is a big boost when we go up against Capital1. It’s going to be a big game as we aim for the quarters,” said Troncoso after tallying 21 points and 17 excellent receptions.
READ: PVL: Savi Davison powers PLDT past ZUS and into quarters
ZUS Coffee coach Jerry Yee, Chinnie Arroyo, Chai Troncoso, and Thea Gagate after surviving Cignal. #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/6Q85k91nha
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 11, 2025
Chinnie Arroyo likewise contributed heavily to the Thunderbelles’ cause with 18 attacks out of 20 points apart from two aces while middle blocker Thea Gagate had 16 points on top of four blocks and an ace.
“We know the importance of winning this game. We drew our strength from each other and we were able to pull through,” said Arroyo.
The HD Spikers actually came out of the gates asserting their height and might in the first set, but the Thunderbelles charged back with Troncoso smashing her way and Gagate cashing in on her length.
After a faulty reception that knotted the count in the second set, Troncoso punched in successive strikes that put the Thunderbelles ahead.
Gagate chipped in with a block on Vanie Gandler followed by a quick down-the-line hit as they pulled within a point of securing the frame. Troncoso’s attack through Roselyn Doria-Aquino’s outstretched arms netted ZUS the set point.
READ: PVL: Streaking PLDT claims No. 4 with win over ZUS Coffee
The Thunderbelles continued to pour the heat as Troncoso’s hit rolled on the net before trickling in and a tip in by Jovelyn Gonzales pushing them 18-15 after a long sequence.
Michelle Gamit then blocked Jovelyn Fernandez and drove in an attack of her own before Arroyo scored on a pair of off-the-block strikes prior to Gagate’s push that got them ahead after three sets.
“Aside from seeking the quarters, we also wanted to get back at Cignal and I’m glad we did,” said Gagate.
The Thunderbelles zoomed ahead 12-3 and seemed ready to deliver the knockout punch in the fourth set, but the HD Spikers patiently chopped down the advantage on Ishie Lalongisip’s assertiveness and the defense of Ria Duremdes at the back row.
The HD Spikers then went on a 7-0 tear with Gandler tying the count at 20 and eventually reversing the trend with a down-the-line hit and another smash that the Thunderbelles were unable to neutralize.
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Gandler actually scored her team’s last six points, punctuated by a back line attack that sent the match to the limit.
The Thunderbelles bounced back in the extended set with a massive effort, denying Cignal the floor and relying on Troncoso’s explosive plays that kept them alive and kicking for a quarterfinal spot.
