Zus Coffee veteran Jov Gonzaga. PVL Media Bureau
ANTIPOLO CITY – Jovelyn Gonzaga is an "Ate" and a veteran the young Zus Coffee squad could lean on.
The 33-year-old Gonzaga, the oldest among the Thunderbelles, proved that they have a leader in her on Tuesday, steering the Thunderbelles to their first franchise triumph after trumping Nxled, 19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-15, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino at the Ynares Center here.
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The former Cignal star dropped 23 points anchored on 20 attacks and three blocks to lead all scorers in the match.
Gonzaga said she should be an "Ate" because she believes that once she steps up, everyone else will follow.
"Ang lagi kong sinasagot sa interview, kailangan kong mag-step up kasi once nag-step up ako, makakahugot din ng kumpiyansa ‘yung teammates ko," Gonzaga told reporters.
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She also has confidence in her teammates' untapped potential, led by number one overall pick Thea Gagate, who chipped in 16 points for their breakthrough win.
"At the same time, ang laki din kasi talaga ng tiwala ko sa talent, potential ng bawat isa," Gonzaga said.
"Ako personally, gusto ko ibigay ‘yung kompiyansa and tiwala kasi once na mabuo ang kompiyansa nila, magiging maganda ‘yung performance ng team," she added.
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"So far, evident din kanina sa fourth set na nando'n kompiyansa nila so as much as possible ako, bilang isa sa mga [veterans], ‘yun ‘yung gusto kong i-instill sa kanila and again kailangan ko mag-step kasi naglu-look-up sila. Kumbaga kailangan ko mag step-up para maging smooth."
The experienced spiker joined the Thunderbelles before the start of the 2024-25 season.
Gonzaga and company have a chance to make it two in a row against Galeries on Thursday, November 28, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.