PVL: Tushova-led Capital1 just getting started, says Gorayeb

Capital1 Solar Spikers in the PVL Reinforced Conference.–PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Capital1 coach Roger Gorayeb believes the best is yet to come for the Solar Spikers after reaching the top three in Pool B in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.

The Solar Spikers, who joined the league six months ago, made a 180-degree turnaround from one win in the All-Filipino Conference to winning three of their first five games with Russian import Marina Tushova leading the charge.

Riding high after a record-setting 45 points last week, Tushova sustained her explosive form as she poured in 32 points in Capital1’s 18-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-18 win over ZUS Coffee on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.

READ: PVL: Capital1 streaking heading into second round

Capital1 coach Roger Gorayeb, Iris Tolenada, and Marina Tushova share their thoughts after making it to the top 3 of Pool B. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/lLz3yBXPIK

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 6, 2024

Gorayeb, whose team will enter the next round with a 3-2 record, likes their chances in the second round slated in Pool D with the bottom three teams of Pool A, where the Solar Spikers will try to book a quarterfinal ticket.

“We have a bright future. We’re in a good situation because we avoided Pool C, which will have three stronger teams,” said Gorayeb in Filipino. “We’re looking forward to a better future. We just arrived here in May and we’re already starting to build a good future for this team.”

Signing a prolific reinforcement in Tushova as well as a good leader and playmaker in Iris Tolenada have turned the Solar Spikers into dark horse contenders. Rookies Roma Mae Doromal, Leila Cruz, and Jenya Torres have also stepped up to the challenge along with mainstay Des Clemente and new acquisition Julia Ipac in manning the frontline.

“In a matter of six months, we were able to regroup and turn this team into a very good team. My players are very coachable and I don’t have any problem with them. It’s just a matter of them understanding my game plan,” Gorayeb said.

Although Tushova scored 77 points in Capital1’s first back-to-back wins, she credited her performance to their teamwork.

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

Tolenada, who had 21 excellent sets on top of five kills, agreed with their import, believing that the trust between the coaches and teammates led to their impressive start. 

“I’m really proud because it’s a young team, we’re still building a program, we haven’t been together for so long but we come in the gym every day with a purpose and that’s why we’re able to be successful especially when we need to be,” said the Filipino-American setter. 

Heading to the next round, Tolenada urges her teammates to stay present at the moment and continue improving their game and “committing to be resilient and being good teammates to each other.”