There’s nowhere to go but up for young club ZUS Coffee in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

Lumbering at the bottom of the standings and winless in their first two conferences since joining the league early this year, the Thunderbelles saw significant growth in their campaign in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference.

ZUS Coffee’s 2-3 win-loss record to close the year sent a strong message to the rest of the field that it is no longer the same doormat team it was before.

Beefing up its roster during the offseason with the addition of veterans Jovelyn Gonzaga and Chai Trongcoso and the green light for top overall draft pick Thea Gagate to play following a tour of duty with Alas Pilipinas gave the Thunderbelles a promising campaign.

ZUS Coffee ended a 20-game slump with a breakthrough victory over Nxled, 19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-15, last 19 November.

The Thunderbelles followed it up with an emphatic sweep of Galeries Tower.

Although ZUS Coffee lost its next two games against sister team Farm Fresh and defending champion Creamline, the Jerry Yee-mentored squad gained confidence which they will try to bring at the resumption of action next year.

“Everyone’s stepping up. Each one is slowly embracing their responsibilities — from the veterans to the young ones,” grizzled veteran Gonzaga said.

“It’s easier when everyone’s stepping up, even our second six. Credit also to our coaching staff. The way they plan our rotations during games.

The infusion of youngbloods in Rizza Cruz, Chinnie Arroyo, Kate Santiago, Ypril Tapia complemented by the presence of Gonzaga’s leadership has worked wonders for the Thunderbelles.