Capital1 earned the franchise’s first-ever win in the Premier Volleyball League, trouncing fellow newcomer Strong Group in four sets, 25-18, 25-20, 19-25, 25-20 on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Solar Spikers improved to solo eighth spot in the 2024 All-Filipino Conference at 1-2 while keeping the Athletics winless in three outings.
“Syempre masaya kasi alam niyo naman itong team na ito less than two months pa lang kami. Every day, every practice, every game is a learning process for us,” said Capital1 head coach Roger Gorayeb.
“It’s a time for us to know each other kung ano man ang kailangan namin idagdag. Yung ganitong panalo makakapagboost ng morale namin sa mga susunod naming laro,” he added as they prepare for their game against PLDT on Saturday at 2 p.m.
It was middle blockers Joy Onofre and Mer Jauculan who provided the spark for Strong Group in the third, overhauling a 5-9 early deficit to extend the match at 25-19.
But Jorelle Singh did not allow Capital1 to repeat its mistakes in the fourth, leading the charge to turn a 12-all affair into an 18-12 before the Athletics fought back to inch back within two, 18-20.
From thereon, Patty Orendain, Arriane Layug, and Shyra Umandal took turns for the Solar Spikers victory in one hour and 48 minutes.
Singh led Capital1’s seven players with at least five points, scoring 13 in just three sets of play.
Orendain finished with nine points in two frames, while Ja Lana and Layud had eight apiece.
All but one of the 12 Solar Spikers that are not liberos fielded were able to score at least two points.
Dolly Versoza carried the Athletics with an all-around display of 11 points, 14 excellent receptions, and 13 digs, while Joy Onofre top-scored with 12 points including two blocks.
Strong Group will aim for that elusive first win next Tuesday against the three-time, defending champion Creamline at 4 p.m. Both will be played at the same Pasig venue.
