ZUS Coffee routs Galeries Tower

Games Saturday

(PhilSports Arena)

4 p.m. - Nxled vs Capital1

6:30 p.m. - Akari vs Farm Fresh

MANILA, Philippines — Like roaring thunder, ZUS Coffee is starting to make some noise.

It was heard all over the Premier Volleyball League after the Thunderbelles posted their first streak of the franchise with a quick, merciless 25-22, 25-16, 25-19 rout of the Galeries Tower Highrisers Thursday in the PVL All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena.

It came just a few days after the Thunderbelles posted their breakthrough win — a 19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-15 triumph over Nxled — after dropping their first 20 matches in the pros.

Chinnie Arroyo led the way with 14 points while Claudine Trongcoso, who was brought in along with fellow veteran Jovelyn Gonzaga to inject spunk and experience, scattered 11 hits as ZUS leapfrogged straight into the upper half of the standings with a 2-1 record.

Thea Gagate, the club’s most prized recruit being the league's No. 1 rookie draft pick this season, is starting to come into her own and chipped in nine hits including three blocks.

“Pagka may talent, malaki difference. Iba pag quality recruits mo, malaki bagay,” said ZUS coach Jerry Yee.

“Iba yung me Thea ka, iba yung andyan siya. Me blocking, offense, lamang ka na agad,” he said.

For Gagate, she was just happy to contribute to her team’s early success.

“Goal ko makatulong para makakuha ng panalo sa team. Although we’re a new team, na halos lahat kami mga bata, I just want to give this new energy,” said the Alas Pilipinas standout and former National University star.

The Highrisers stooped to 0-4.