ZUS Coffee’s Jovelyn Gonzaga.–PVL PHOTO

ANTIPOLO — Jovelyn Gonzaga’s eagerness to lead by example to the young ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles has paid off after delivering the franchise’s first-ever win.

Gonzaga made an immediate impact for the struggling PVL expansion team, firing 23 points for the Thunderbelles’ breakthrough 19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-15 win over Nxled in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at Ynares Center Antipolo.

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The veteran opposite spiker, who just signed last month, knew she had a big responsibility for the team with her young teammates looking up to her and leaning on her seasoned volleyball experience.

READ: PVL: Thirst for new learnings leads Jovelyn Gonzaga to ZUS Coffee

“Kailangan kong mag-step up kasi once nag-step up ako, makakahugot din ng kumpiyansa ‘yung teammates ko. At the same time, ang laki din kasi talaga ng tiwala ko sa talent, potential ng bawat isa,” said Gonzaga, who nailed 20 of her 30 attack attempts and three blocks on top of 12 digs.

More than the experience, the 31-year-old Gonzaga is looking to boost the confidence of the Thunderbelles, bannered by No. 1 pick Thea Gagate and the core of NCAA “three-peat” champion College of Saint Benilde. 

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“Gusto ko ibigay ‘yung kumpiyansa and tiwala kasi once na mabuo ang kumpiyansa nila, magiging maganda ‘yung performance ng team. So far, evident din kanina sa fourth set na nandun kumpiyansa nila so as much as possible ako, bilang isa sa mga [veterans], ‘yun ‘yung gusto kong i-instill sa kanila,” said Gonzaga.

NCAA MVP and Best Setter Cloanne Mondoñedo, who had a winless Reinforced stint with the Thunderbelles, is grateful for Gonzaga’s addition as well as the height advantage given by Gagate.

“Siyempre sobrang happy since first win nga and ang tagal naming hinintay ito. Thankful kami kay Thea and ate Jov kasi ang laki talaga ng tulong nila sa amin lalo na yung maturity nila and yung leadership ni Ate Jovelyn,” said Mondoñedo, who dished out 17 excellent sets.

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

The Army Sergeant urged the Thunderbelles to stay hungry after their first win, believing they could get more as they continue to scratch the surface of their full potential.

“Kailangan talaga namin ng exposure. Experience and exposure tuloy-tuloy na laro hanggang makapa namin, hanggat ma consistent namin, hanggang magkaroon kami ng total na chemistry,” said Gonzaga.  “KMasipag sila, puno sila ng potential. So more on exposure, onti-onti lang. One step at a time, one game at a time, we will get there.”

Like Gonzaga, Mondoñedo promised to use their breakthrough win as a motivation to rise from the ashes in this six-month competition.

“Happy and excited sa mga upcoming games pa since ito nga. Iba sa feeling yung makakuha ng win and lalo na last conference walang kaming win makakahelp siya para maboost lalo yung team para maglaro pa ng maayos sa following games,” said the ZUS Coffee setter.