Capital1 secures top-3 spot in Pool B with win over ZUS Coffee

Capital1 sealed its spot in the top three of Pool B after overcoming ZUS Coffee in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday, August 6.

The Solar Spikers capped off their Pool B campaign with a 18-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-18 triumph over the still winless Thunderbelles. 

Riding high after a record-setting 45 points last week, Russian import Marina Tushova stuffed the statistical sheet with yet another explosive performance as she poured 32 points, along with 10 excellent digs, and nine excellent receptions to lead the Solar Spikers.

Player of the Game Iris Tolenada set up a remarkable Capital1 stand with 21 excellent sets and five attack points.

Apart from Capital1’s leading local scorer Des Clemente with 12 markers on eight attacks, two blocks, and a pair of aces, their two draft picks Jenya Torres and Leila Cruz came to Tushova’s aid on offense.

Torres showcased her best performance yet of seven points, two off aces and 12 excellent digs, while Cruz contributed five markers. 

Victory, however, remained elusive for the Thunderbelles even with Japanese reinforcement Asaka Tamaru’s 22 attack points and Dolly Verzosa’s 12 markers on nine attacks, two blocks and an ace apart from 26 excellent receptions.

Mitch Gamit and No. 13 pick rookie Sharya Ancheta each finished with six points. 

Capital1, who snagged huge wins over Petro Gazz and Choco Mucho, assured themselves of facing the three lower-ranked teams from Pool A in the second round, while ZUS Coffee finished the first round winless at 0-5 and will face the top three teams from Pool A.