By: Ernest Tuazon
Marina Tushova’s impeccable performance has been a pivotal factor in Capital1’s success as the young and upcoming squad gears up to achieve its playoff aspirations in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Tushova brought the Solar Spikers one game closer to a guaranteed playoff spot after breaking her own PVL scoring record of 49 points in their five-set win over Nxled on Saturday night. However, she urged the team to go all in ahead of their potential playoff run.
“I need all of my team to be fully committed in these last two games. I can’t do it alone; I want them to know that I’m here, but now I want them to give it their all in the next few games,” Tushova shared.
Despite dealing with right arm pain a day before making PVL history again, the 25-year-old outside hitter was heavily relied upon for offense, playing a key role in Capital1’s reverse sweep of the Chameleons.
(C) PVL Images
While Tushova registered 46 attacks, two aces, and one block with a 50.5 percent attacking efficiency, the rest of the Solar Spikers combined for 37 points. Their second-highest scorer, setter Iris Tolenada, managed only seven points.
“I want all of them to feel that they can score points. I want to be there to support them, but please, try to do it on your own first,” the Russian spiker added.
For Tushova, there is still a lot of work to be done and plenty of room for improvement as the young Capital1 squad hunts for the crucial fifth win that will propel them to their first-ever playoff appearance in franchise history.
“We need to work on everything—physical conditioning, ball work, everything. I hope that in the next games, more of the girls will feel that fire inside and improve because after these games, we’re going to face much tougher challenges.”
49 points and the game-winning strike! ☀️
Marina Tushova is unstoppable! #PVL2024
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/efr4pYcxBl
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) August 10, 2024
