PVL: Shaya Adorador, Capital1 satisfied with strong start

Shaya Adorador and the Capital1 Sola Spikers in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Shaya Adorador and the new Capital1 Solar Spikers proved their worth to start their 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference campaign.

With Bella Belen being surrounded by veteran recruits, Capital1 kicked off the new year with a convincing 25-17, 25-16, 15-25, 25-19 win over ZUS Coffee, the runner-up of last year’s Reinforced, on Tuesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Backstopping Belen’s pro career high 26 points was Adorador, who delivered 14 points and seven excellent receptions. 

“I’m really happy because it feels great to get our first win. You could really see everyone’s effort, especially with the guidance of our coaches. Everyone is listening to each other, and that really shows on the court,” said Adorador in Filipino.

The veteran outside spiker from the defunct Chery Tiggo, which had been her club since winning a title in the 2021 PVL bubble, relished the new chapter of her career with a young franchise.

Adorador said it’s easy to form a strong bond with the Solar Spikers and their Brazilian coach Jorge Souza De Brito even though they are still adjusting to his system.

“It hasn’t been that difficult off the court. On the court, of course, there are still a lot of things we need to work on like our connections, from libero to setter, setter to spiker, and so on,” the former UE Lady Red Warrior said. “It’s really about understanding coach’s system, and adjusting hasn’t been too hard because coach is very open, especially during games when he gives a lot of input to the team. We’re just really happy that we got the win and that all our hard work paid off.”

Ysa Jimenez, from Galeries Tower, also stepped up with 13 points. Another ex-Chery Tiggo player, Pauline Gaston, chipped in 10 points, while new libero Rachel Jorvina tallied 21 digs.

De Brito, the former Alas coach, was pleased with his new players, instilling a mindset of “every game is a final match.”

“We have good spikers, so we can make this connection better, so it’s gonna be easy for the setters. And then, of course, it’s gonna be easy for us,” De Brito said. “It’s gonna help us to compete against anyone. [We just need to] stay in the receive pattern, so the setters can develop the team better. That’s what we’re trying to improve right now. And of course, make more jelling. Try to bond with the team all the time.”

Capital1 faces another tough test against Nxled, led by three-time MVP Brooke Van Sickle, on Saturday at Ynares Center Montalban.