It wasn’t the prettiest of wins but Capital1 finally got the job done.
The Solar Spikers capitalized on Strong Group Athletics’ struggle late in the fourth set to hack out a 25-18, 25-20, 19-25, 25-20 victory in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
In a clash of league newcomers, Capital1 showcased its superiority in firepower and blocking, overcoming challenges in the third frame to relish the sweet taste of victory after two prior defeats.
“We’re very happy. As you all know this team is just two months old. So every day, every practice, every game is a learning process for us. This win will boost our morale for the coming games,” head coach Roger Gorayeb said.
Skipper Jorelle Singh, who led Capital1’s charge with 13 points, including 12 on attacks, expressed the team’s happiness with their first win while underlining its positive impact on their confidence.
“We expect to perform even better in our upcoming games,” the veteran campaigner said.
She acknowledged a lapse in communication in the third set that enabled the SGA to stay in the game. But the Solar Spikers regrouped in the fourth, pouncing on their opponents’ miscues in the stretch to pound out the victory.
Patty Orendain backed Singh with nine markers while Arianne Layug and Ja Lana had eight markers each. Cathrina Dizon added six points and Heather Guino-o and Shyra Umandal finished with five points apiece for the Solar Spikers, who led in all scoring departments, spikes (52-48), blocks (7-3) and aces (5-4).
They also scored 30 points off the Athletics’ unforced errors while conceding 28 miscues of their own.
Strong Group, which drew 12 points from Mary Joy Onofre, 11 points from Dolly Verzosa and a combined 31-point output from Jana Cane, Sheeka Espinosa, Justine Rebleza and Merry Rose Jauculan, fell to 0-3.
The Athletics kept the game close in the fourth, rallying from a 13-19 deficit to threaten at 18-20. But the Solar Spikers, determined to seal the win, countered with strategic plays.
After the two teams traded errors, Orendain scored on a lob shot over two defenders and Layug hammered in a through-the-block hit, providing Capital1 a four-point cushion.
Although the Athletics mounted a late comeback with a 5-1 run, the Solar Spikers kept their composure.
Rebleza’s power hit was countered by Umandal’s defensive prowess, foiling Verzosa’s attack in a long exchange and putting the Solar Spikers at match point.
A crucial error by the Athletics on the first ball sealed their fate, allowing Layug to deliver a match-clinching spike, concluding the one-hour, 48-minute duel.
