Thunderbelles Snap Five-Match Losing Streak with PVL Comeback Win
ZUS Coffee erased a two-set deficit Tuesday, defeating Galeries Tower in five sets for its first PVL Siklab Series victory. The Thunderbelles prevailed 17-25, 21-25, 25-20, 25-20, 15-12 at Smart Araneta Coliseum, ending their five-match losing streak.
ZUS Coffee Reverse Sweeps Galeries Tower for First Win
Kiko Demigillo of One Sports reported that Galeries Tower controlled the opening two sets before ZUS Coffee responded strongly. The Highrisers won 25-17 and 25-21, moving within one set of consecutive victories for the first time in years.
ZUS Coffee answered with consecutive 25-20 victories, extending the contest after dropping the opening two sets against Galeries Tower. The Thunderbelles then captured the deciding frame 15-12, completing the comeback and improving their conference record to 1-5.
Image from: Premier Volleyball League
Thunderbelles Rally After Dropping Opening Two Sets
Galeries Tower entered the match following a five-set victory over Akari, while ZUS Coffee remained winless through five assignments. The Thunderbelles reversed those circumstances by winning three consecutive sets and handing Galeries Tower its fifth conference defeat.
ZUS Coffee Completes Comeback With 15-12 Fifth Set
Galeries Tower opened the fifth set with a 6-3 advantage before ZUS Coffee responded behind several different contributors. AC Miner, Chinnie Arroyo, and Chai Troncoso helped erase that deficit before the Thunderbelles forced a 7-7 deadlock.
Troncoso then pushed ZUS Coffee ahead before additional points created a three-point advantage during the decisive fifth set. Kate Santiago eventually delivered the match-winning attack after Lycha Ebon had helped Galeries Tower reduce the deficit to 14-12.
Thunderbelles Finish Five-Set Comeback After Early Deficit
ZUS Coffee reached match point at 14-10 before Ebon answered with consecutive attacks to keep Galeries Tower alive. Santiago ended the contest on the next extended sequence, completing ZUS Coffee’s two-hour, 22-minute victory at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
AC Miner Leads ZUS Coffee With 17 Points
Miner led ZUS Coffee with 17 points from 13 attacks and four blocks during the Thunderbelles’ breakthrough victory. Troncoso added 13 points and 21 excellent digs, earning Best Player of the Game honors after the five-set comeback.
Jolina Dela Cruz contributed 10 points, while Alyanna Ong and Santiago finished with nine and eight points, respectively. ZUS Coffee also dominated the blocking department 17-8, offsetting Galeries Tower’s 63-53 advantage in successful attacks during the match.
Troncoso Adds 13 Points and 21 Excellent Digs
Troncoso said ZUS Coffee remained determined despite trailing by two sets and focused on enjoying the match together. Her comments provided firsthand context for the Thunderbelles’ response after losing their first five Siklab Series assignments.
“Naglaro lang din po kami; in-enjoy lang po namin yung game kahit two sets down kami. Sabi ko din talaga sa kanila na mas doon lumalabas laro namin kapag ineenjoy namin, may enjoyment and may focus and may winning mentality,” Troncoso said.
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Jean Asis Scores Career-High 27 for Galeries Tower
Jean Asis produced a career-high 27 points despite Galeries Tower surrendering its two-set advantage against the Thunderbelles. Her performance included 21 attacks, five blocks, and one service ace during the Highrisers’ five-set defeat Tuesday.
Erika Deloria contributed 13 points, while Ebon added another 12 as three Galeries Tower players reached double figures. The Highrisers nevertheless dropped to 1-5, matching ZUS Coffee’s record while losing their remaining opportunity to reach the semifinals.
Galeries Tower Falls to 1-5 After Two-Set Advantage
Galeries Tower entered Tuesday after defeating Akari but could not secure consecutive victories despite winning the opening two sets. The loss eliminated the Highrisers from semifinal contention and left both teams with identical 1-5 conference records.
ZUS Coffee Faces Akari After Ending Five-Game Skid
ZUS Coffee will next face Akari on Tuesday, November 17, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The Thunderbelles will then complete their Siklab Series schedule against Nxled on November 21 at the PhilSports Arena.
Galeries Tower returns sooner, facing PLDT on Saturday, November 14, at the PhilSports Arena following Tuesday’s five-set defeat. Both teams enter their remaining assignments outside semifinal contention after completing six matches with identical 1-5 win-loss records.
Thunderbelles Continue Campaign With Two Matches Remaining
ZUS Coffee has two remaining matches against Akari and Nxled after securing its first victory in six Siklab Series assignments. Galeries Tower next faces PLDT after its reverse-sweep defeat officially ended the Highrisers’ remaining hopes of reaching the semifinals.
Analytical Breakdown: ZUS Coffee Needs More Consistent Execution
ZUS Coffee’s biggest adjustment was sustaining defensive patience, allowing longer rallies to create better transition opportunities after two difficult sets. Troncoso’s floor defense became especially valuable because consistent digs gave the Thunderbelles additional chances to rebuild attacks under pressure. Carrying that transition discipline into future matches could improve ZUS Coffee’s consistency while reducing dependence on exhausting comeback victories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the ZUS Coffee-Galeries Tower final score?
ZUS Coffee won 17-25, 21-25, 25-20, 25-20, 15-12, completing a five-set reverse sweep against Galeries Tower at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Who led ZUS Coffee in scoring?
AC Miner led ZUS Coffee with 17 points from 13 successful attacks and four blocks against Galeries Tower.
Who was Player of the Game for ZUS Coffee?
Chai Troncoso earned Best Player honors after contributing 13 points and 21 excellent digs during ZUS Coffee’s comeback.
How many points did Jean Asis score?
Jean Asis recorded a career-high 27 points from 21 attacks, five blocks, and one ace for Galeries Tower.
Who will ZUS Coffee play next?
ZUS Coffee will face Akari on November 17 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in its next assignment.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Sports Inquirer – Inquirer.net.
