By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Capital1 delivered a performance to remember as it shocked title favorite Petro Gazz, 26-24, 25-20, 25-18, to claim its first victory in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City Tuesday, July 23.
Marina Tushova carried the scoring cudgels for the Solar Spikers as the Russian spiker erupted for 24 points built on 23 kills to even their win-loss record to 1-1 in Pool B.
Skipper Jorelle Singh and Des Clemente also provided ample support by conspiring for 18 points, while rookie Leila Cruz took charge of their floor defense with 11 digs on top of five points.
Capital1 coach Roger Gorayeb credited his team’s defense, admitting he was shocked with how impressive his stalwarts performed in that department.
“Who would have thought na maii-straight sets namin ang Petro Gazz?” said Gorayeb during postgame.
“Looking at us as a low-level team, tapos makaka-straight sets kami to a more experienced team? Malaking bagay samin yon. Morale booster samin,” he added.
He also lauded the all-around efforts of Tushova, saying that she played like a woman possessed.
“Si Marina, sinapian ata eto, birthday yata neto. Ang ganda ng nilaro niya,” Gorayeb said.
So impressive were the Solar Spikers that they limited Petro Gazz import Wilma Salas to only seven points.
They also outshone the Angels on attacks, 44-36.
In a day of upsets, Akari rallied back from a two-set deficit to stun Choco Mucho, 18-25, 16-25, 25-22, 25-23, 15-13, for its second straight win in Pool B.
American Oly Okaro exploded for 38 points including 33 kills to single-handedly carry the Chargers against their fancied rivals.
“We definitely started the game poorly…we were tense at the beginning. But after we collectively loosened up, we started coming back,” said Okaro.
Grethcel Soltones and Ivy Lacsina also chipped in 12 and 10 points for Akari, which dealt Choco Mucho its second straight loss.
Feeling the absence of top scorer Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag to national team duties, the Flying Titans turned to Dindin Manabat, Royse Tubino and Zoi Faki.
Manabat had 16 points while Tubino and Faki scored 14, but it was not enough to deliver the Flying Titans to Promised Land.
