Bella Belen’s consistency and all-around game once again proved crucial for Capital1, which survived another five-setter to outlast ZUS Coffee, 20-25, 25-17, 22-25, 25-20, 15-8, in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Belen finished with a game-high 29 points on 25 attacks and four blocks. She also had 16 excellent digs and 15 excellent receptions, as the Solar Spikers clinched back-to-back victories behind her third consecutive triple-double.
It was another grueling outing for Capital1, which went the distance for the third straight game. However, the Solar Spikers appear to be finding their footing, winning their last two matches to improve to a 2-1 record.
(C) PVL Images
Trailing 1-2 in sets, Capital1 leaned on Pauline Gaston, who sparked a crucial 7-2 run in the fourth frame to turn a 13-16 deficit into a 20-17 lead. The Solar Spikers then held off the Thunderbelles late to force a deciding fifth set.
The final frame remained tight early, with the two teams locked at 6-all before Belen and Vanie Gandler joined forces in a blistering 7-1 run to give Capital1 a commanding 13-7 advantage and move within two points of victory.
Belen sent an attack wide to briefly halt the Solar Spikers’ momentum. But Cherry Nunag’s running attack, followed by Erika Santos’ cross-court hit, sealed the deal for Capital1 after two hours and 12 minutes.
“Well, a win is a win, and they’re showing up every single day. A win is a win, and of course, we like to make it four or three (sets only). But we accept the challenge that we have to grow, and you have to always fight inside the court and make the chemistry come for this team,” said Solar Spikers head coach Jorge Souza De Brito.
“And I’m really happy. I’m proud of them because it’s not easy. It’s another comeback. We need to show up. But we are back here, and always good when you come here because you win. So it’s okay,” he added.
Gandler finished with 12 points in just three sets, while Santos also contributed 12. Nunag added eight markers, while Shaya Adorador and Sydney Niegos chipped in seven and six points, respectively.
Jasmine Nabor dished out 14 excellent sets, while Detdet Pepito collected 23 excellent digs for the Solar Spikers.
Capital1 will look to extend its winning streak to three games when it takes on PLDT on Saturday at 1:00 PM at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, the Thunderbelles absorbed their second straight loss to open the Siklab series.
Zam Nolasco paced ZUS Coffee with 15 points on 10 attacks and five blocks, while Jolina Del Cruz added 14 points and 15 excellent receptions. Jovelyn Gonzaga and AC Miner chipped in 11 points apiece.
Riza Nogales finished with nine markers.
Still searching for their first win, the Thunderbelles face another tough test against defending champion Creamline on Saturday at 6:00 PM.
