Capital1 sealed its spot in the top three of Pool B with a gutsy 18-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-18 win over ZUS Coffee in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday.
The Solar Spikers, who snagged huge wins over Petro Gazz and Choco Mucho, improved to 3-2, securing third place in their group and assuring themselves of facing the three lower-ranked teams from Group A in the second round.
“Masayang masaya ako dahil naglaro sila nang maganda, nagrerespond sila. Sino bang hindi sasaya? Napakasaya ko,” said Capital1 head coach Roger Gorayeb.
The Thunderbelles were on fire to open the game, taking the first set 25-18, but the Solar Spikers regained their composure in the second and third sets, holding back any comeback attempts from their opponents to gain a 2-1 set advantage.
(C) PVL Images
Russian import Marina Tushova and Des Clemente denied another fightback attempt from ZUS Coffee in the fourth set to seal the win.
“I’m really proud because it’s a young team, we’re still building a program, we haven’t been together for so long, but we come into the gym every day with a purpose, and that’s why we’re able to be successful when we need to be,” said Iris Tolenada, who delivered 21 excellent sets to go with five attack points.
Tushova followed her record-setting 45 points from the last game with 32 points on 31 attacks and a block, while adding 10 digs and nine receptions.
Clemente contributed 12 points from eight spikes, two blocks, and two aces, while Jenya Torres, the 20th overall pick in the inaugural draft, chipped in seven points and 12 digs.
(C) PVL Images
ZUS Coffee finished the first round winless at 0-5 and will face the top three teams from Pool A.
Asaka Tamaru registered 22 points, while Dolly Verzosa added 12 points and 26 excellent receptions for the Thunderbelles.
