Sasha Bytsenko exploded for 39 points as Capital1 finally broke through in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference with a hard-earned 25-20, 23-25, 27-25, 25-12 victory over Nxled on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Ukrainian outside spiker of the Solar Spikers had tallied 20 points in their opening loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters. This time, she took her game to another level.
Bytsenko delivered 39 points built on 35 attacks, three blocks, and an ace, while also contributing 17 excellent receptions on defense.
The win also marked the first for new head coach Jorge de Brito, as Capital1 improved to 1-1 in Pool A to grab solo fourth place.
(C) PVL Images
“This team is really brave. They’re not thinking about the past; they’re starting new history here. We have rookies like last year, but now some of them have more experience. I’m very happy and proud of them,” said de Brito.
Bytsenko came through in the clutch during the extended third set. She nailed a crosscourt hit followed by a service ace to seal the frame and give Capital1 a 2-1 set advantage, 27-25.
From there, the Solar Spikers left no room for error in the fourth. They spun off a decisive 10-1 run behind Bytsenko, Bella Belen, and Rachel Austero to turn a tight 8-6 contest into an 18-7 blowout, cruising to victory after two hours and 12 minutes of play.
Belen, the 2025 first overall pick, provided solid support with 15 points and 14 excellent digs in her second professional game.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, Nxled dropped to 0-2, joining the Cignal Super Spikers in a tie for fifth place in the group.
Spanish import Paola Martinez led the Chameleons with 20 points, while Chiara Permentilla added 18 points and 20 excellent receptions.
Both teams will return to action on Tuesday, still at the historic Big Dome. Capital1 faces Farm Fresh at 1:30 PM, and Nxled battles Choco Mucho at 4:00 PM.
