Bytsenko, Belen Lead Capital1 Past Cignal in Straight Sets
Capital1 Solar Spikers pulled off an impressive sweep victory over the Cignal Super Spikers, 25-23, 25-23, 25-21, to notch their second win in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference on Friday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
The straight-sets win by the Solar Spikers boosted their record to 2-2 in Pool A, keeping them in contention for a Top 3 finish.
Ukrainian import Oleksandra Bytsenko spearheaded Capital1’s attack with 23 points built on 22 kills, while also contributing 12 excellent receptions.
Rookie star Bella Belen continued her stellar rookie season with 11 points and 14 digs, providing the spark the Solar Spikers needed in clutch moments.
After narrowly taking the opening set, Capital1 showed its resilience in the second frame. Despite falling behind 10-17, the Solar Spikers mounted a determined comeback behind Bytsenko, Belen, Pia Abbu, and Rachel Austero, closing the gap with a 13-5 run. Belen’s timely service ace pushed them ahead at 23-22 before Bytsenko’s cross-court hit brought them to set point. A Cignal attack error eventually sealed the 2-0 lead.
Riding on their momentum, Capital1 maintained control in the third set to complete the sweep in one hour and 30 minutes.
Iris Tolenada masterfully orchestrated the offense with 16 excellent sets and four points, while Roma Doromal anchored the defense with 15 digs and 14 receptions. Leila Cruz also chipped in eight points.
The victory gave Capital1 renewed confidence heading into its next assignment — a rematch against Choco Mucho on Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
(Video from the YouTube Channel of One Sports)
Meanwhile, the Super Spikers fell to 2-3, ending their first-round campaign outside the Top 3 and heading to Pool C for the next phase. Import Katrin Trebichavska led Cignal with 22 points, while Erika Santos and Roselyn Doria-Aquino added nine and eight markers, respectively.
With the way Capital1 showed composure and teamwork against one of the league’s seasoned squads, the Solar Spikers look poised to make more noise as the Reinforced Conference heats up.
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