By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Capital1 coach Roger Gorayeb is not resting on their laurels after downing fancied Petro Gazz in a three-set shocker Tuesday night, July 23, in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
In fact, Gorayeb said they are using this 26-24, 25-20, 25-18 victory over the Angels as a morale booster for their upcoming matches.
“We will not stop just because we won (today),” said Gorayeb as the team owned by Mandy and Milka Romero improved to a 1-1 win-loss record in Pool B.
“Marami pang importanteng laro. We will always work hard and we will learn from our mistakes,” he added.
Despite facing a more experienced squad boasting of hard-hitting players like Fil-American Brooke Van Sickle and veteran import Wilma Salas, Gorayeb believed his stalwarts could pull off an upset win.
He, however, did not expect they would sweep their battle-tested rivals.
“Petro Gazz is a very tough team. Who would have thought na maii-straight sets namin sila?” said Gorayeb in awe.
“Anlakas ng depensa namin. Maski ako nagugulat eh. And last game, we were struggling sa counterattack namin. Ngayon, hindi kami nag-struggle. Kaya masaya ako sa panalong to kasi malaking bagay samin. Morale booster,” he added.
Gorayeb credited import Marina Tushova, who carried the scoring cudgels for the Solar Spikers with 24 points built on 23 kills.
“Si Marina sinapian. Birthday yata neto. Ang ganda ng nilaro niya,” he said in jest.
Turning serious, Gorayeb said his young players can learn a lot from the Russian spiker.
“Marina may leave after this conference, but she will be leaving with us a good example for the All-Filipino Conference. These players will learn many things from Marina and I hope they will learn it and put everything in their heart,” Gorayeb said.
“Lalakas pa kami,” he added.
The Solar Spikers will next face the Cignal HD Spikers on Saturday, July 27, at the same venue.
