ZUS Coffee roars to 2nd straight victory

MANILA, Philippines —  ZUS Coffee is making noise like a roaring thunder.

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 yesterday at the PhilSports Arena.

It came a few days after posting its breakthrough win – a 19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-15 triumph over Nxled – ending a 20-game losing skein.

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 All-Filipino team standings with a 2-1 record.

Thea Gagate, the club’s most prized recruit being the league’s top draft pick this season, is starting to come into her own, chipping in nine hits including three blocks.

“Pagka may talent, malaki difference. Iba pag quality recruits mo, malaking bagay,” said ZUS coach Jerry Yee. “Iba yung may Thea ka, iba yung andyan siya. May blocking, offense, lamang ka na agad.”

Gagate was just happy to be able to contribute to her team’s early success.

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

The Highrisers dropped to 0-4.