ZUS Coffee scored its first franchise victory in the Premier Volleyball League as the Thunderbelles scored a come-from-behind win against Nxled Chameleons 19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-15 yesterday in the All-Filipino Conference at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Veteran opposite hitter Jovelyn Gonzaga fired 23 points, 20 off attacks and added three kill blocks in leading the Thunderbelles to victory, their first in the league since joining action in the All-Filipino Conference.
The Strong Group Athletics-backed Zus Coffee snapped its 20-game skid and improved to 1-1 in the All-Filipino.
Also shining for Zus Coffee was top pick Thea Gagate who had 16 markers, 10 from spikes, five from blocks and a service ace.
“I’m always proud. Kahit talo kami, proud naman ako sa kanila, so hindi ko nga napansin na first win ngayon,” Zus Coffee coach Jerry Yee said after the two-hour battle. “Masaya. Very proud and hopefully, magtuloy-tuloy.”
After taking the third set, the Thunderbelles went on a big run in the fourth to take a 17-7 lead after a Chinnie Arroyo down-the-line hit and the lead ballooned to 22-8 after a quick attack from Gagate.
The Chameleons tried to crawl their way back with a 7-0 run but opposite hitter Gayle Pascual delivered the last three points to seal the victory for the Thunderbelles.
Open spiker Chiara Permentilla led the Chameleons with 19 markers while Lucille Almonte added 12 points as Nxled fell to 0-2.
