PVL: Marina Tushova downplays 45-point record

Capital1’s Marina Tushova in the PVL Reinforced Conference.–PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Marina Tushova has been a force for the Capital1 Solar Spikers as she continues to carve out sensational performances each game in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

The Solar Spikers earned their best start in the PVL, climbing to the third spot of the Reinforced Conference Pool B with a 2-2 win-loss record.

All thanks to the Russian import, who set an all-time PVL scoring record.

READ: PVL: Capital1 locals stepping up to backstop Marina Tushova

Tushova shattered the previous record of 44 points set by former Akari foreign guest player Dominican Prisilla Rivera back in 2022 as she unleashed 45 points in Capital1’s thrilling 13-25, 25-21, 18-25, 25-20, 15-13 win over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Thursday at Philsports Arena.

With a one-of-a-kind historic scoring night, Tushova was hailed as the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of July 30 to August 3.

The 25-year-old spiker also set the record in spiking with 43 kills — the most in a PVL game — and made a huge defensive contribution with 18 excellent receptions and 12 digs to overcome personal and in-game challenges. She led the Solar Spikers’ charge back from a 1-2 set deficit and a 3-8 hole to start the fifth frame.

“All game I felt like I was not doing anything. That’s why I was like let’s do more, let’s do more. So about this 45 points, it’s good for sure but it’s not like I’m already on top of my career or I’m better than someone else, it’s just one game,” Tushova said.

“I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t eat. I was fighting with my stress all these days. It was another preparation, some things I cannot share with you all, but it was different. Thank you to the people around me, to my close friends. I appreciate it.”

READ: PVL: Marina Tushova pushes past struggles in record-setting game

The 6-foot winger was unanimously chosen as she outshone Chery Tiggo’s Khat Bell, who dropped a new PVL career-high 39 points against PLDT over the weekend as well as Creamline’s Bernadeth Pons, Akari’s Ivy Lacsina, Farm Fresh’s Yeny Murillo and Cignal’s MJ Perez for the weekly honor deliberated by the print and online covering the league, which is streamed live and on-demand via the Pilipinas Live App and www.pvl.ph.

Despite her record-setting outing and her career-best, Tushova remains laser-focused on helping Capital1 continue its winning ways in the contest, hoping to seal a top three spot heading into the second round.

Capital1’s head mentor Roger Gorayeb praised Tushova after her record-breaking act but he also challenged his local players to step up to continue their rise in the pioneering pro volleyball league.

“Marina has been carrying our offense for the past three games. Still kailangan pa rin ‘yung local players na magcontribute nang mag-contribute… Kailangan magtulungan kami,” the veteran tactician said.

Tushova and the Solar Spikers eye their third win against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on Tuesday at the same venue in Pasig City.