Zus Coffee veteran Jov Gonzaga. PVL Media Bureau

MANILA, Philippines – Zus Coffee leader Jovelyn Gonzaga said Tuesday that she has always believed that this team had the potential.

And in one of the more surprising wins in the Premier Volleyball League, the Thunderbelles proved that she was right as they went toe-to-toe with one of the league's powerhouses in Petro Gazz.

The Thunderbelles defeated the red-hot Angels — who were in the midst of a 10-game winning run before this match — in straight sets, 25-21, 25-23, 27-25, in Game 1 of the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference Quarterfinals, Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena.

READ: PVL: Zus Coffee pulls off massive upset vs Petro Gazz in Game 1 of quarters

Gonzaga, who was admittedly in shock after the three-set win, said she had always reminded the Thunderbelles that the sky's the limit for them.

"Actually, bago ako dumating sa Zus [Coffee], alam ko talagang ang taas ng potential ng team. And lagi ko 'yan sinasabi sa bawat isa — na malayo ang mararating ng team," said the seasoned player.

Their "selfless" attitude paved the way for them, at least for Gonzaga.

"Sobra akong speechless, grabe 'yung teamwork na pinakita ng team. Very selfless 'yung pinakita, gagalaw talaga kami for each and everyone of us — for the team, for the coaching staff."

READ: Mondoñedo named Player of the Week after steering ZUS Coffee to q'finals

Gonzaga said they will let the emotions flow for now and celebrate, but the former Cignal standout acknowledged that the job's not done.

Game 2 is on Saturday, March 22, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

READ: PVL: Zus Coffee moves past Capital1, arranges QF clash with Petro Gazz

"Unang una, gusto naming i-feel 'yung pagkapanalo pero alam namin na sa Game 2, magtatrabaho talaga. There is no room for complacency. Pagtatrabahuhan namin — kung ano man 'yung pinakita namin, dodoblehin namin."

It was also Gonzaga who completed the sweep, notching the kill block on Myla Pablo to cap the one-hour and 43-minute volleyball affair.