“Play to the Death”: Jovelyn Gonzaga ready for war as ZUS Coffee faces PLDT in PVL quarterfinals

The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles displayed why they can never be counted out after staging a staggering comeback from a two-set deficit to defeat the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 22-25, 20-25, 25-16, 25-17, 15-10, in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preseason tournament on Tuesday, August 5, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The victory ensured that ZUS Coffee clinched the final quarterfinal spot in the PVL On Tour, once again proving their mettle in do-or-die situations. The win was a testament to their grit and resilience—a pattern that has defined their campaign.

Their comeback was made possible by the performances of Chinnie Arroyo and Jovelyn Gonzaga. Arroyo finished with 21 points on 20 kills, while Gonzaga scored 16 points, five of which came in the fifth and final set. Gonzaga also anchored the defense with seven excellent digs. The duo received solid support from rookie AC Miner, who contributed 14 points, including four crucial blocks, while Fiola Ceballos and Kate Santiago chipped in 10 points each.

Gonzaga opened up about the Chavacano phrase she heard from former La Salle players Michelle Carolino and Sharmaine Peñano, which roughly translates to “play to the death,” and promised during the press conference to do just that in their quarterfinal encounter against the unbeaten PLDT High Speed Hitters.

“Like soldiers always say, ‘It’s better to die than to be shamed.’ I keep saying that before a team can really come together, the relationship has to come first. So that’s what we really focused on, along with how each of us works during training. We don’t back down. We even argue during our 6-on-6 practices. It’s all part of healthy competition,” Gonzaga said in the post-match press conference.

Jovelyn Gonzaga on ZUS’ five-setters

ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles veteran Jovelyn Gonzaga is finding the silver lining in her team’s string of grueling five-set matches in the ongoing 2025 PVL on Tour. pic.twitter.com/XWXQpWedPI

— Fastbreak (@fastbreaknewsph) August 6, 2025

“When it comes to the game, our coaches have prepared us for situations where we are totally drained, where it feels like you are about to pass out. But it’s really a mental game. You know you’re tired, so you have to use your head. Training has helped, and little by little, the team’s chemistry and relationship are really starting to click,” she added.

The veteran, who only returned to the PVL in October 2024 after signing with ZUS Coffee, is grateful to be part of the current group, which has helped bring out the best in her.

“The passion came back. Even though I’m a senior, I don’t feel the weight of everyone depending on me. In fact, there’s less pressure. The team and coaching staff know my responsibilities, and I know my role. That clarity helps me play my best. I’m grateful because we have never felt pressured as a team. For example, when someone has an off game, no one makes it worse. There’s room to bounce back. That’s the strength of our team—it’s all about the relationship,” Gonzaga concluded.

ZUS Coffee and PLDT will face off in the quarterfinal on Thursday, August 7, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

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