An unstoppable force in Capital1’s previous game, Marina Tushova was brought down to earth by Farm Fresh on Thursday afternoon.
The Russian import for the Solar Spikers had just come off a record-breaking 49-point performance against Nxled last Saturday, but the Foxies’ coaching staff devised a perfect plan to contain her.
This plan was evident as Farm Fresh ended Capital1’s three-game winning streak with a 25-17, 25-23, 25-20 victory, reviving its quarterfinal hopes in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference.
Tushova, who had accumulated 126 points in their previous three matches, was limited to just 18 points by the Foxies, with a 17-of-66 performance in spikes and a block. However, she still managed to tally 17 receptions and seven digs in the loss.
For Farm Fresh leaders Louie Romero and Trisha Tubu, the credit goes entirely to their coaches, who meticulously studied Tushova, while the players executed the plan flawlessly.
(C) PVL Images
“Yung coaching staff namin talagang pinag-aralan nila detail by detail sobra yung scouting nila sa import given na sobrang taas niya mag-points. Talagang siya yung bumubuhay sa Capital1 at pinaghandaan talaga namin siya,” shared Romero, who provided 16 excellent sets.
“Thankful kami sa coaching staff namin kasi grabe yung aral nila para kay Marina. Kami naman nagtiwala kami sa scouting nila and nagstick kami don sa plan namin. Thankfully, nakuha namin yung win and nastop namin si Marina kahit papaano,” added Tubu, who contributed 12 points.
(C) PVL Images
Tushova’s touches were limited compared to the sets she received against Choco Mucho, ZUS Coffee, and Nxled.
Against the Flying Titans, she had 109 spike attempts, while against the Thunderbelles and the Chamaleons, she had 74 and 91 attempts, respectively.
Support was also lacking this time, as only Leila Cruz reached double figures aside from Tushova, with 10 points. The next highest scorer was setter Iris Tolenada with seven, while the remaining players had two points or less.
The Foxies’ significant win bolstered their drive for a quarterfinals spot, moving up to 3-4 for solo eighth place. They will finish the crossover round on Tuesday against the still-undefeated Akari.
“Siguro yung mindset back to zero talaga kasi kung titignan namin sila na nasa top talagang mawawala kami. Preparation lang talaga and back to training,” said Romero.
