PVL: Capital1 pulls off major upset vs Petro Gazz

Marina Tushova lead Capital1 Solar Spikers against Petro Gazz Angels in the PVL Reinforced Conference. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Capital1 clinched its biggest win in franchise history by stunning Petro Gazz in the PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at PhilSports Arena.

Marina Tushova unleashed 24 points, all but one coming from attacks, to lead the Solar Spikers to an impressive 26-24, 25-20, 25-18 sweep of Petro Gazz as Capital1 improved to a 1-1 record.

“I am really happy because who would’ve ever thought that we can win in straight sets. [People] are looking at us as a low-level team and to win in straight sets against a more experienced team it’s such a huge morale booster for young ones,” coach Roger Gorayeb said in Filipino.

“Though we really prepared for [the Angels] yesterday,” he added. “And it was effective because our defense was really strong that even I was surprised.”

Jorelle Singh and Des Clemente contributed nine points apiece with Clemente getting five of the eight blocks of Capital1.

Iris Tolenada played a pivotal role against the two-time defending champions with 15 excellent sets.

Capital1 Spikers’ Iris Tolenada. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“Last game, we were struggling in our counter attacks but now we didn’t so I am really happy,” Gorayeb added as Capital1 bounced back from a four-set loss against Akari in their opening game in Pool B.

The Solar Spikers cleaned up their act from that previous loss where they committed 34 errors, getting only 17 this time.

Petro Gazz had an uncharacteristic performance with Brooke van Sickle being the only Angel to reach twin digits with 19 points. Jonah Sabete and Cuban import Wilma Salas had a low outing of only seven points apiece.

READ: PVL: Capital1 shows promise, ‘strong’ defense despite loss

“I didn’t talk too much before the game. I [tried to stay] calm [unlike] Filipinos who are always happy and sharing emotions … I just need to be like focused,” Tushova said.

“I am super happy because I somehow helped in our win today then I am super proud of my teammates,” rookie opposite hitter Leila Cruz as she experienced her first win in the pro ranks.

Already on the verge of a monumental win, Capital1 rushed to a 17-11 lead in the deciding frame.

KC Galdones committed a huge service error that gave the Solar Spikers a 22-17 advantage before Julia Ipac found a spot on the Angels’ floor to tip the ball and Singh hammered an emphatic kill off the block to seal the game.

“It feels amazing [to win] because we come into practice everyday talking about being a family and being good teammates to each other and that’s exactly what we did today,” Tolenada said.

“Everyone stayed on their assignment and … it’s just more successful for us when we stick to the plan,” she added Capital1 hopes to build on this new found momentum against Cignal, one of the top teams currently in their group, on Saturday.