Marina Tushova has left a remarkable impression in her first foray into the Premier Volleyball League.
The Russian bomber took the PVL by storm with her unparalleled firepower and professionalism, transforming the fledgling Capital1 team into a contender that shook the balance of power in the league.
Despite falling short of carrying the Solar Spikers through to the semifinals, Tushova saved her best performance for last – resetting the league’s scoring record by dropping 50 points.
Tushova almost single-handedly carried Capital1 in a grueling five-set loss to eventual semifinalist Cignal, 19-25, 34-36, 25-16, 25-22, 12-15, in the knockout quarterfinal on Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Breaking the all-time scoring high for the third time, Tushova’s efforts in her farewell run did not go unnoticed.
She earned the honor of the last PVL Press Corps Player of the Week, presented by Pilipinas Live, for the import-laden conference period of August 20 to 24.
The 25-year-old winger received her third recognition from print and online reporters covering the PVL, which is streamed live and on-demand via the Pilipinas Live App and www.pvl.ph.
Humble in victory and gracious in defeat, Tushova expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to showcase her talents in front of adoring Filipino fans and contribute to the Solar Spikers’ mission of becoming a competitive club.
“The team is so sad, for real. But it’s a great lesson for us. And always, in our lost games, you learn more than from won games. So, today it was like this and I’m so happy. Cignal did a great job. Congratulations to the team. I wish them good luck for the semifinals,” said Tushova, who is heading to play in Azerbaijan next.
(C) PVL Images
Tushova first shattered the two-year scoring record set by Dominican Prisilla Rivera, who scored 44 points, by one point in a five-set win over Choco Mucho on August 3.
(C) PVL Images
She broke her own record a week later with a 49-point explosion against Nxled in another five-setter.
Against the No. 2 seed HD Spikers, the 6-foot hitter registered 47 attacks, two kill blocks, and a service ace. She also had 16 excellent receptions and 12 digs, showcasing an all-around game.
Tushova outperformed Oly Okaro of unbeaten Akari, Creamline’s Erica Staunton, PLDT’s Lena Samoilenko, Wilma Salas of Petro Gazz, and Cignal’s Gel Cayuna and Riri Meneses to earn the weekly honor.
She finished with a total of 301 points, leading Capital1 to its first-ever playoff stint after a one-win debut in the All-Filipino Conference.
“I hope that fans enjoyed this game. I saw that my team enjoyed this game, too. I gave everything for this game. We need just a little bit more. And this… I don’t care about my record today. I wanted our team to win, unfortunately,” she said.
“I hope we will have another opportunity. I hope that I will come back here to play again. And I hope that I will be better next year. And I hope that Capital1 will improve too. And I hope that I can bring something more to this team, this amazing team.”
