Chai Troncoso’s clutch performance lifts ZUS Coffee past Cignal

Chai Troncoso gave her former team plenty to think about, delivering a stellar 21-point performance to lead the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles closer to a Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference quarterfinal spot.

Troncoso showcased her dominance, scoring 21 points to propel ZUS Coffee to a hard-fought five-set victory—19-25, 25-23, 25-20, 23-25, 15-12—over the Cignal HD Spikers in the Play-In Tournament on Tuesday, March 11, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Her impressive stat line included 15 attacks, two blocks, and four aces, along with 17 excellent receptions.  

Though elated with the win, she admitted that facing her former team made the moment bittersweet.  

“I got emotional, but I’m with ZUS now—a new system, a new team,” said the Central Philippine University product. “I’ve fully embraced my role here with the help of my teammates, coaches, and management. This win feels like a fresh start for me with ZUS.”  

Now an established key player for the Thunderbelles, Troncoso remains grateful to Cignal for shaping her into the player she is today.  

“I think my confidence also grew because of my time with Cignal. As a bench player, you don’t get much playing time, so you really have to make the most of every opportunity,” she shared.  

“The coaches at Cignal trusted me a lot, and for that, I’m truly thankful.”

With their quarterfinal hopes on the line, the Thunderbelles must now defeat the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Thursday, March 13, to officially secure their spot in the next round.