Capital1 Solar Spikers in the PVL Reinforced Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Capital1 may be banking heavily on Marina Tushova’s offensive prowess but behind the Solar Spikers’ rise was the solid support from the locals in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Tushova led the franchise to its best start with a record-setting 45 points to pull off a dramatic 13-25, 25-21, 18-25, 25-20, 15-13 win over Choco Mucho on Thursday at Philsports Arena.
The Russian spiker surpassed the scoring record in a single game set by former Akari import Prisilla Rivera’s 44 and nailed the most attacks in a match with 43 — capped by her dramatic game-winning back row. But coach Roger Gorayeb said that she did it because of the “small contributions that helped a lot.”
READ: PVL: Maria Tushova powers Capital1 past Choco Mucho with 45 points
Gorayeb lauded the playmaking and leadership of setter Iris Tolenada and the steady floor defense of rookie libero Roma Mae Doromal.
“I left everything to Iris. In the dugout, I told them, you follow Iris. Iris is my extension inside the court. I cannot talk to you or whisper to you, but Iris is there for you to talk to her. And I just let her play her game,” said Gorayeb of Tolenada, who had 17 excellent sets on top of five points.
The veteran coach also praised Doromal, who has been instrumental for the Solar Spikers with 16 excellent receptions and 12 digs during Tushova’s historic night.
“Roma is really stable although, she still has some lapses like her crucial error in the fifth set. She’s a great defensive specialist but committed a simple. So we were laughing with her when I told her,” said Gorayeb in Filipino.
READ: PVL: Maria Tushova pushes past struggles in record-setting game
Gorayeb believes the former Ateneo captain’s availability in the second round of the Rookie Draft last month was a blessing to the team.
“Roma is a great addition to the team. Very stable on defense and very good on reception. Good thing we were able to pick her. I don’t understand why [other teams] didn’t, maybe I’ve been unlocking her potential. She’s calm and relaxed,” he added.
Capital1 improved to a 2-2 record in Pool B with a chance to clinch the top three when it battles the winless ZUS Coffee on Tuesday.
The top three Pool B teams battle the bottom squads in Pool A in the second round.