By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
ZUS Coffee bucked a third-set stumble before it turned back Chery Tiggo, 25-22, 25-22, 23-25, 25-20, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday, Jan. 30.
The dynamic duo of Jovelyn Gonzaga and Glaudine Troncoso stepped up for the Thunderbelles by unloading 20 and 18 points, respectively, as they kept their momentum going with a second straight victory to level their win-loss record to 4-4 in the middle standings.
Gonzaga continued to display her vintage form by firing 17 kills in the two-hour, three-minute contest, while Troncoso also showcased her offensive form by pumping in 16 attacks and two aces.
ZUS Coffee almost swept the match but Chery Tiggo put up a fight to steal the third set anchored on Ara Galang and Shaya Adorador.
But that didn’t deter the Thunderbelles as they regained their bearings in the fourth, challenging the Crossovers’ defense with attacks on all angles.
Troncoso said Gonzaga’s encouraging words after their third-set loss fueled their drive going into the fourth frame.
“Sabi ni Ate Jov (Gonzaga), baawi yung kabilang team, so naghanda talaga kami sa fourth set. Lahat nag-contribute,” Troncoso said.
Thea Gagate also shone for ZUS Coffee and mostly took charge of their defense with three blocks to finish with 13 points, while Chinnie Arroyo and Michelle Gamit chipped in 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Chery Tiggo slipped to its fourth loss against five victories despite Galang topscoring for 20 points built on 17 kills, two blocks and one ace.
Adorador and Ces Robles also scored 13 and 11 points in a losing effort for the Crossovers.
