NEW FORCE RISING
Capital1 swept Cignal on Friday, with a gutsy 25-23, 25-23, 25-21 win, giving top rookie pick Bella Belen the opportunity to say that there’s a lot of potential in the young Solar Spikers squad that stayed in the top-three conversation in Pool A play of the PVL Reinforced Conference at FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City.
“This is a really good sign that our team is starting to gel and that we’re getting more comfortable with our system,” said Belen, a three-time UAAP MVP and four-time champion with National University, in Filipino after tallying 11 points and 14 digs in helping Capital1 snap Cignal’s two-game winning streak.
After losing two of their first three games, Belen now believes that the Solar Spikers are slowly getting the right mix of young players and local veterans as well as Ukrainian Sasha Bytsenko, who had 23 points, working as one unit.
“We really practice that kind of situation—when the game is close and we have to catch up,” she said. “Earlier, we told ourselves that as long as Cignal hasn’t reached 25 yet, we still have a chance to win the set.
“We just held on, focused on doing our responsibilities as players and we managed to catch up.”
Asked about her progress in her first four games as a pro, the 23-year-old outside spiker remained determined to showcase her all-around talent to help Capital1 reach greater heights.
“Ever since I started playing, I’ve really focused on defense since I’m not that tall (to be a dominant offensive player),” she said. “It’s easier for me to read the opponents, especially when they’re attacking.
“I think that’s one of my advantages. I can help guide our defense at the back because, as sweepers, we cover a lot of the court,” Belen went on. “I’m really happy because every time we manage to dig the ball, it’s not just me, it’s a team effort.”
With a 2-2 record, Capital1 can close the first round with a top-three finish when they battle Choco Mucho on Nov. 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena—the replay of the opener after they clashed and lost last Oct. 7 without imports due to the International Transfer Certificates dispute.
“There’s still another game coming up, so I’m very excited to see what else we can improve on and bring into the next match,” Belen said.
Capital1 coach Jorge Souza de Brito told his team to make the most of their second chance against Choco Mucho.
“This is already a new match, it’s a new game, a new opportunity for us,” he said.
Cignal finished Pool A with a 2-3 record, facing ZUS Coffee, Creamline and either Akari or Petro Gazz in another round robin.
Katrin Trebichavska carried the Super Spikers with 22 points. Erika Santos was limited to nine points, as Rose Doria Aquino added eight. Vanie Gandler saw limited action in her return with two points.
