MANILA – ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles outlasted Capital1 Solar Energy Solar Spikers, 25-22, 25-17, 18-25, 25-17, to secure the remaining quarterfinals seat in the PVL 2nd All-Filipino Conference on Thursday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Cloanne Mondonedo finished with 24 excellent sets to go with six points, on five attacks and a service ace, and seven excellent digs as the Thunderbelles secured their franchise’s first-ever quarterfinals appearance.
“Super proud of our team kasi first time sa franchise namin na makaabot sa quarterfinals, and also ibinigay namin ‘yung best namin,” Mondonedo said in a post-game interview.
“Inexpect naman namin na lalaban at lalaban ‘yung opponents namin, nag-recover lang naman kami (nung fourth set) kasi gustong gusto talaga naming makuha itong win na ito,” she added.
Ilongga Glaudine Troncoso led the way for the Thunderbelles with 15 points, on 12 attacks, two blocks, and a service ace, while Thea Gagate contributed 13 markers, including four blocks.
“Step by step lang,” Thunderbelles head coach Jerry Yee said after the game. “Marami pa kaming iwo-work on pero slowly nagfa-fall into place na ‘yung mga pieces na kailangan namin.”
Norielle Ipac finished with 17 points to lead the Solar Spikers, Leila Cruz added 13 markers, while Negrense Patty Jane Orendain and Maria Shola Alvarez contributed 10 apiece in the loss.
Meanwhile, NxLed Chameleons pounced on a shorthanded Farm Fresh Foxies for a 25-17, 25-17, 25-18 straight-set romp to close their play-in round campaign on a winning note.
Rachel Jorvina showcased her defensive prowess with 20 excellent digs to be named Player of the Game as the Chameleons concluded their Pool B assignment with a 1-1 record.
“I think we have that confidence that we can keep up with the other teams, and I think it is just a matter of time before we can get on a roll,” the Filipina-Canadian libero said in a post-game interview./PN
