Capital1 snapped a three-game skid in style, staging a stunning comeback to steal the second set before dominating the next two en route to a 21-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-18 victory over Nxled in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena on Saturday.
Leila Cruz and Heather Guino-o spearheaded the Solar Spikers’ offensive with a combined 38-point output, while Patty Orendain made an impact off the bench, contributing 10 crucial markers. The victory was a welcome relief for Capital1, which had previously faltered against top contenders Chery Tiggo, Choco Mucho and PLDT.
“Sobrang saya sa feeling kasi naipakita na namin kung ano yung mga pinaghihirapan namin,” said Guino-o, who delivered 21 points, including 19 attacks and two blocks. She played a pivotal role in the second set, leading Capital1’s 13-2 comeback run from a 12-20 deficit to tie the match at one set apiece.
Despite improving to just ninth place with a 1-3 record, Guino-o remained optimistic about the team’s chances, emphasizing the importance of rigorous training and resilience.
“Mas magpu-push pa kami sa training para makakuha pa ng maraming panalo,” added the former FEU standout.
After a shaky start, Capital1 found its rhythm, amassing 57 attack points – 18 more than the Chameleons. While Chiara Permentilla led Nxled with an impressive 23-point effort, she struggled with fatigue in the latter stages.
The Chameleons also suffered from a lack of consistent support, with Jaila Atienza and Lycha Ebon adding just nine and six points, respectively.
Both teams showcased strong defensive plays, recording 13 blocks each, and traded 24 unforced errors. However, Capital1’s superior firepower and composure in crucial moments allowed them to turn the tide in the grueling two-hour, four-minute encounter.
The Solar Spikers’ remarkable turnaround in the second set not only derailed Nxled’s momentum but also crushed their confidence, setting the stage for Capital1’s dominant performance in the subsequent sets.
Sydney Niegos’ power hit punctuated a 3-0 Capital1 spurt, setting the stage for the Solar Spikers’ inspired surge. The dominant stretch kept Guino-o at the service line, forcing a rattled Nxled coach Guidetti Ettore to call for a couple of timeouts in an attempt to disrupt Capital1’s momentum and stabilize his squad.
However, the Chameleons struggled to contain the Solar Spikers’ offensive onslaught. Cruz and Orendain joined the charge, adding firepower to an already potent attack.
With Guino-o delivering high-pressure serves, Nxled faltered in their receptions, often resulting in passes that veered too close to the net or led to disorganized plays.
A decisive kill from Cruz broke the 20-all count, followed by an Nxled net fault that gave Capital1 a crucial two-point advantage. The Solar Spikers maintained their composure, and Orendain sealed the set with a sharp cross-court hit, completing the dramatic turnaround.
Riding the wave of their second-set heroics, the Solar Spikers carried their momentum into the pivotal third set, racing to a 14-9 lead. This shift in dynamics left Nxled, who had controlled much of the opening set, scrambling to regain their footing as Capital1 firmly seized control of the match.
Capital1 continued to dominate in the third set, extending its lead with another 3-0 run that pushed the score to 19-11. The Solar Spikers maintained their grip on the set, eventually securing a 2-1 advantage with a stinging off-the-block hit from Cruz.
In the fourth set, Capital1 quickly seized control, racing to an 8-3 lead. Although Nxled responded with a four-point burst to narrow the gap, the Solar Spikers swiftly regrouped and unleashed a commanding 5-0 run, firmly reasserting their dominance.
The set featured intense exchanges, with both teams trading blows in critical moments. However, Capital1 remained composed down the stretch as Orendain delivered a decisive power hit, putting them on the brink of victory.
After May Luna briefly kept Nxled alive by saving a match point with a clever dump, Cruz hammered home the final kill, sealing the match in emphatic fashion.
