ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles’ Jovelyn Gonzaga rises for a hit during a PVL on Tour game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Jovelyn Gonzaga did her cool-down stretches as she looked at the PVL on Tour quarterfinals picture on the TV screen at the press room of the Philsports Arena, shortly after sending the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles to their second straight playoff appearance with a come-from-behind 22-25, 20-25, 25-16, 25-17, 15-10 win over Choco Mucho.
Gonzaga delightfully answered every postgame question. And on her way to the dugout, Gonzaga shifted her focus to another knockout game against the unbeaten PLDT on Thursday at the same venue in Pasig City at 6:30 p.m.
The veteran opposite spiker shared a Chavacano phrase she heard from former La Salle players Michelle Carolino and Sharmaine Peñano to the Inquirer, which, roughly translated, means “play to the death.”
With a day to prepare and recover, Gonzaga vows to continue displaying her all-out mentality when the young Thunderbelles battle the High Speed Hitters, who swept all five Pool A games.
She’s always known for giving her all as an athlete and an Army Sergeant.
“Like soldiers always say, ‘it’s better to die than to be shamed,’” Gonzaga told the Inquirer after scoring five of her 16 points in the fifth set.
The Thunderbelles won four of their five five-set games this preseason. And the 33-year-old spiker believes that it’s the result of their intense but healthy competition in practice.
“I keep saying that before a team can really come together, the relationship has to come first. So that’s what we really focused on, along with how each of us works during training. We don’t back down. We even argue during our 6-on-6 practices. It’s all part of healthy competition,” said Gonzaga.
“When it comes to the game, our coaches have prepared us for situations where we’re totally drained, where it feels like you’re about to pass out. But it’s really a mental game. You know you’re tired, so you’ve got to use your head. Training has helped, and little by little, the team’s chemistry and relationship are really starting to click.”
ZUS Coffee coach Jerry Yee will continue to bank on his deep rotation, led by Chinnie Arroyo, who erupted with 21 points in the knockout game. Clo Mondoñedo is also tasked with making the most of scorers AC Miner, Chai Troncoso, Kate Santiago and Fiola Ceballos, while Alyssa Eroa takes care of their floor.
Gonzaga, who joined the Thunderbelles in the All-Filipino from a volleyball hiatus, is just grateful to be part of this group, which has been bringing out the best in her and giving her renewed passion.
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“The passion came back. Even though I’m a senior, I don’t feel the weight of everyone depending on me. In fact, there’s less pressure. The team and coaching staff know my responsibilities, and I know my role. That clarity helps me play my best. I’m grateful because we’ve never felt pressured as a team,” she said. “For example, when someone has an off game, no one makes it worse. There’s room to bounce back. That’s the strength of our team, it’s all about the relationship.”
