Capital1 regained its winning ways and kept Galeries Tower winless, 25-13, 26-28, 25-22, 25-21, heading into the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference quarterfinals, Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Solar Spikers, who were coming off a loss to the Farm Fresh Foxies, finished the preliminary round with a 5-3 record – good for sixth seed.
However, a win by Petro Gazz against Chery Tiggo in three or four sets on Thursday will push Capital1 down to seventh.
“Sobrang proud po ako sa team namin kasi nagtulong-tulong po talaga kami eh, yung locals nag-step up lahat,” said team captain Jorelle Singh, who poured in 10 points and nine digs in the win.
A Barbie Marzan hit off a floating ball and gave the Highrisers a 20-17 lead in the fourth, threatening to force a decider.
However, the Solar Spikers showed their composure as Des Clemente and Singh made three straight points to tie the match.
(C) PVL Images
Tied again at 21, Russian import Marina Tushova took over for Capital1 with three straight hits. Ysa Jimenez then gave the Solar Spikers the win with an attack error.
Tushova, after being limited to 18 last time out, unloaded 35 points on 31 attacks, three aces, and a block to go with 19 excellent receptions.
Clemente, who’s enjoying a career resurgence, went for 14 points on 11 spikes and three blocks as well in the win in two hours and 11 minutes.
(C) PVL Images
The Highrisers failed to win each of their eight matches despite four of those going the distance.
Sutadta Chuewulim carried the fight for Galeries with 22 points and 14 receptions, while Jewel Encarnacion recorded 19 points and 17 receptions.
