Tushova channels ‘now or never’ power
When Marina Tushova delivered the final blow for Capital1 against Choco Mucho on Thursday night, she made history for two reasons.For starters, Tushova helped send the Solar Spikers to their best start in the PVL since debuting last February.
Second, and perhaps more impressively, she shattered the all-time scoring record in the league—a feat she wasn’t immediately aware of.“During the game, I didn’t feel [I broke the record] at all. I was like, ‘Okay, maybe I had an ace. I had a block,’” a surprised Tushova told the Inquirer after the Solar Spikers outlasted the Flying Titans in five grueling sets, 13-25, 25-21, 18-25, 25-20, 15-13, in their Reinforced Conference showdown.
“I just channeled all the power inside of me, everything. It’s now or never.”
Tushova carried Capital1 on her shoulders with 45 big points built on 43 attacks, a block and an ace. Her output eclipsed the 44-point effort of Akari import Prisilla Rivera in the 2022 Reinforced Conference.
It was the highest-scoring game in her career that has seen her play for 11 professional clubs so far.
“You have to give everything you have inside, no doubts,” she said. “I’ll make a point, that’s it. [I will] ask [for] the ball, and I’ll make a point.
Tushova also posted 18 receptions and 12 digs to help Capital1 improve to a 2-2 win-loss record.
Despite her record-breaking output, the Russian import was quick to deflect the credit for the win, saying it was a team effort.
“It’s a lot, for real, but I need all my team[mates],” she said. “And I’m so happy when my teammates [score] points. I love to cheer on another girl.”
After stamping her name in PVL history, Tushova is aware that everyone’s eyes will be on her to deliver even better for the next games.
Tushova, however, wanted to tamp down expectations.
“Better to leave all this pressure and to just enjoy volleyball,” she said.
ZUS nextThe 25-year-old player gave a special shoutout to the Capital1 fans who cheered for their win inside the venue on Thursday night.
She said the noise of the Filipino crowd is something that fuels her.
“Because of this, I play volleyball,” Tushova said. “[I] enjoy [being] here. Really, like, I love it when all the [fans in the arena make] noise.
Tushova and the rising Solar Spikers will aim to add to their winning tally on Aug. 6 against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles at PhilSports Arena.
In a postgame presser, Tushova admitted she felt off in the days and hours leading to the match.
“I couldn’t sleep yesterday night, I couldn’t eat today,” she said. “I was fighting … my stress all these days,” said Tushova. “The hardest thing for today’s game was to leave the pressure outside the court. Thank you coach for your talk.”
Coach Roger Gorayeb has been urging Tushova to be more vocal during games.
“I told her I want to hear [her] voice because it gives us all inspiration,” Gorayeb said. “If she’s silent, everybody is worrying about why she is silent.”
And the 25-year-old star is slowly taking on that challenge.
“When everyone can hear me, I do a better job. I have to change my game and be more emotional,” she said. INQ
