Capital1’s big comeback in the second set the tone for its first win of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, as it rallied past winless Nxled in four sets, 21-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-18, on Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
The Solar Spikers overcame an eight-point deficit in the second set, riding that momentum to snap a three-game losing streak and improve their record to 1-3.
“Yung second set kasi, wala na ang laki na ng lamang sa amin. So maswerte kasi si May Macatuno nung pinasok ko, nag-iba ‘yung momentum eh. Kaya siguro dahil doon nahabol namin, nalagpasan namin,” said Capital1 head coach Roger Gorayeb.
(C) PVL Images
After losing the opening set, Capital1 was on the verge of dropping the second set as well, trailing 13-20. However, May Macatuno came off the bench to replace Iris Tolenada, and her presence sparked a shift in momentum.
Capital1 finished the set with a dominant 12-1 run to even the match at 1-1.
From there, the Solar Spikers appeared to have everything figured out, dismantling the Chameleons in the next two sets to seal the win after two hours of play.
“[Galing] sa 20-13 ‘yun eh, lumamang pa kami ng 22-20 kaya siguro nabuhay ‘yung loob nila. Ang sinasabi ko lang kasi sa mga player, okay lang masaya kayo basta ‘wag niyo palampasin sa ulo niyo,” added the multi-titled coach.
Heather Guino-o continued her double-digit streak, recording a personal conference-best of 21 points, including 19 attacks. She also had seven excellent digs and six excellent receptions for the Solar Spikers.
Leila Cruz, coming off the bench, contributed 17 points, 15 of which came from attacks. Patty Orendain added 10 points and six excellent receptions, while Tolenada tallied 16 excellent sets and five points.
Capital1 will head to Cebu to face Galeries Tower on Saturday, aiming to secure its second consecutive victory.
On the other hand, Nxled’s struggles continued as they absorbed their fourth consecutive loss to start the tournament.
(C) PVL Images
Chiara Permentilla was the lone bright spot for the Chameleons. She scored a game-high 23 points, built on 20 attacks, two service aces, and one block, along with eight excellent receptions.
No other player reached double digits, with Jaila Atienza contributing nine points.
Nxled will look to end its losing streak when they face Cignal, also in Cebu.
