Improved Capital1 braces for toughest challenge yet

Photos by AUGUST DELA CRUZ

From a lowly neophyte that understandably brought up the rear of the field the last time out, Capital1 has morphed into a legitimate contender in the PVL Reinforced Conference.

Entering their first-ever quarterfinals, the Solar Spikers know that it will be a different kind of challenge from here on out.“Like what coach [Roger Gorayeb] always says, it will be like a championship game every time because we need to give our best every game since it will already be a knockout [format],” captain Jorelle Singh said in Filipino.

“I am proud of each one of us because we really worked for this. Starting [with one win last conference] until now, we have been working for it,” she added.

Capital1 ended the preliminary round with a 5-3 record, its latest victory being a 26-28, 25-22, 25-21 triumph against eliminated and winless Galeries Tower on Tuesday.

Marina Tushova (with ball) bounces back from a low-scoring outing.—AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Back to usual

There is little more to ask of import Marina Tushova, who returned to her usual self just in time to finish with 31 points just a game after she was limited by the brilliant defense of Farm Fresh a couple of days ago.

But the Russian can only do so much, and has been vocal in saying that she needs the help of her locals offensively. That will be an urgent subject to discuss for the Solar Spikers if they want to move past the knockout playoffs as they still await an opponent.

“We (the locals) need to step up and do double time in training, so our attacks will not always come from Marina,” Singh said. “We also need to contribute more in the scoring and attack department. I personally try my best to help.”

“With what’s happening, this is building up our confidence, but we are still working for it and helping each other to support Marina,” Des Clemente said.If the Solar Spikers want to improve on what it has done so far, there can’t be any letup in their performance in the succeeding games.

“The quarterfinals is no joke. Not all teams reach the quarterfinals and now that we are given an opportunity, we won’t waste it,” Clemente added. INQ