At A Glance
- With its back against the wall, ZUS Coffee goes for all the marbles to catch the last quarterfinal bus when it tangles with Capital1 on Thursday, March 13, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
With its back against the wall, ZUS Coffee goes for all the marbles to catch the last quarterfinal bus when it tangles with Capital1 on Thursday, March 13, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
A sweep or a four-set win for the Thunderbelles in their 6:30 p.m. confrontation with the Solar Spikers would complete the quarters cast, and would also arrange them a best-of-three showdown with the Petro Gazz Angels.
Coming off a morale-boosting 19-25, 25-23, 25-20, 23-25, 15-12 upset win over fancied Cignal on Tuesday, March 11, ZUS Coffee is even more determined to keep its title campaign alive-- a thought that seemed improbable weeks ago after being relegated to the play-in tournament for the last two quarters tickets.
But with the Solar Spikers already out of contention and the HD Spikers toting a 1-1 card in Pool A, winning this match is crucial for the Thunderbelles.
ZUS Coffee’s ability to rise to the challenge, which was evident in its latest win, would be the key to another victory.
“I’m very proud of this team. Pero sa ngayon, malayo pa kami. Pero may potential and we will work our game,” said ZUS Coffee coach Jerry Yee.
Veteran Jovelyn Gonzaga is expected to provide leadership anew for the Thunderbelles, with Glaudine Troncoso, Chinnie Arroyo, Thea Gagate and Michelle Gamit out to showcase their firepower.
Gonzaga scored eight points the last time -- mostly during the pivotal stage in the fifth set -- and her guidance during crucial moments paved the way for ZUS Coffee to regain its bearings.
However, Capital1 is expected to play for pride with hopes of closing out its campaign on a high note, with Trisha Genesis and Leila Cruz out to lead its charge.
Like Capital1, Nxled and Farm Fresh seek to salvage some measure of pride when they collide at 4 p.m. in a non-bearing game.