ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles’ Jovelyn Gonzaga in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Jovelyn Gonzaga is happy to have found a new home at ZUS Coffee as she makes her PVL comeback in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference.

Gonzaga ended one conference hiatus with a new chapter with the young Thunderbelles but her return was spoiled with a 14-25, 21-25, 25-19, 23-25 loss to early leader Akari on Thursday night at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

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“I’m happy that I ended up with ZUS. First of all, the team is full of young players. While they’re learning from me, I’m also learning from them. Actually, that’s one of the reasons why I switched teams—to find a new purpose, something new for me to learn,” said Gonzaga, who tallied eight points and 11 digs in her debut as a Thunderbelle.

READ: PVL: Jovelyn Gonzaga brings veteran smarts to ZUS Coffee

“We’re still adjusting, and the team’s inexperience shows sometimes. But we’re getting there. The coaching staff told us to stay patient and keep working day by day until we build our momentum. It was a good first game.”

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Gonzaga, a Philippine army sergeant, skipped the Reinforced Conference due to her duty as military personnel and wanted to take a break from volleyball.

Rachel Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga during their time with Cignal HD Spikers in the PVL. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

“I’ve learned a lot about myself because I’ve been injured before. I’ve been pushing my body too hard, from beach volleyball to three consecutive conferences. I love volleyball, but my body was getting tired. I don’t want to force it too much to the point where something might happen to me,” Gonzaga said.

Like the star opposite spiker, her best friend and fellow former Cignal HD Spiker Rachel Anne Daquis is also returning to action from her one-year break as she joins the younger Farm Fresh Foxies.

READ: PVL: Akari turns back new-look ZUS Coffee for a 2-0 start

They may be playing for different teams but Gonzaga is happy to share their learnings to two young squads owned by Frank Lao. 

“Part of us knew we wouldn’t always be playing together, but we like the responsibilities we have now,” said Gonzaga, who is helping guide the young core of College of Saint Benilde and top pick Thea Gagate.

“Rachel was away for a while. She’s still in the stage of finding her rhythm and getting back in shape. I’m excited for her and her first game. I miss her presence on the court, seeing her out there, and of course, her attacks and serves.”

Playing with the young but mature Thunderbelles, Gonzaga is staying determined to guide them through her seasoned volleyball skills and leadership.

“For me, it’s all about stepping up every single game, every single time Coach Jerry calls on me. At least that way, they can see and be inspired by me to keep improving our game,” she added.