Capital1 Solar Spikers’ in their first game in the PVL Reinforced Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Capital1 may have missed the opportunity to beat Akari in its opener in the PVL 2024 Reinforced Conference, but coach Roger Gorayeb believes his young team showed flashes of a bright future.
The new-look Solar Spikers blew a setpoint advantage in the second set and fell short in the end against the Akari Chargers, 25-18, 27-25, 22-25, 25-14, on Thursday at Philspors Arena.
“It’s frustrating because the second set was very, very close. We were even ahead at the end. But we weren’t able to capitalize on it, so it’s disappointing to lose that second set. Had we won the second set, we would be in the fifth set right now,” said Gorayeb after their first Pool B game.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference
Despite the tough loss, Gorayeb remained optimistic about his wards, lauding their improvement, especially in defense led by rookie Roma Mae Doromal, who debuted with 13 digs and seven excellent receptions.
“But it’s okay, the team is better compared to our first conference. Our defense is strong, but we struggled with our offense. We really don’t know why. That’s it for the first game. There are more games to come,” the Capital1 coach said.
Capital1 Solar Spikers’ coach Roger Gorayeb. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Despite the loss, Doromal is happy to start a new chapter of her volleyball career with the Solar Spikers.
“At least we saw that there was real progress and we performed better than expected,” Doromal said. “Of course, there’s still room for improvement. That’s what we’re focusing on now—what we need to improve and work on in the game.”
READ: PVL: New-look Akari turns back Capital1 to open campaign
The Ateneo product is eager to learn more from Gorayeb and her veteran teammates as the team tries to improve moving forward.
“He said he needs to focus on us more in training because we still have a lot to work on. We’re very open to that, especially us new players. We’re open to learning and adapting to Coach Roger’s system,” she said.
Gorayeb also praised Cruz, their second overall pick, for scoring seven points despite having limited training time due to illness.
“Leila just practiced yesterday because she was sick last week. She might have caught a cold. She wasn’t feeling well. I even thought she wouldn’t be able to play today,” said Gorayeb. “Leila is a big asset for us. Hopefully, everyone stays in top shape and doesn’t get sick.”
Marina Tushova led the Solar Spikers with 20 points, while new setter Iris Tolenada shone with 10 excellent sets, seven points, and seven digs.
Capital1 seeks to bounce back against defending champion Petro Gazz on Tuesday next week.