Marina Tushova’s time in the Philippines has been nothing short of magical.
The 25-year-old Russian spiker, celebrated as one of the best foreign players to ever grace the Philippine volleyball scene, concluded her run in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference with a bittersweet taste on Saturday night.
Tushova's impact on the league was undeniable. She shattered the single-game scoring record three times during her stint with the Solar Spikers. Her remarkable performances included a record-setting 45 points in a five-set victory over Choco Mucho, followed by a 49-point eruption against Nxled.
Her final performance of the tournament was equally stunning: a 50-point explosion in a gripping quarterfinal clash against Cignal.
Despite her incredible individual feats, Tushova’s campaign came to an abrupt end as the Solar Spikers were defeated by the HD Spikers in a dramatic five-set battle (19-25, 34-36, 25-16, 25-22, 12-15).
The Solar Spikers fought valiantly to overcome a 0-2 deficit, but Cignal's resilience ultimately prevailed.
In the loss, Tushova delivered an extraordinary performance, contributing 47 attacks, two blocks, one ace, 16 excellent receptions, and 12 digs. Yet, her heart remained with her team and the Filipino fans who supported her throughout her journey.
“Yes, the team is very sad, to be honest. But it's a great lesson for us. You always learn more from losing games than from winning games,” Tushova reflected after the match.
“Today was one of those days, and I'm still happy. Cignal did a great job. Congratulations to them, and I wish them good luck in the semifinals.”
Despite the disappointment, Tushova expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from her team and the passionate Filipino fans.
She remains hopeful for the future, acknowledging that while she achieved personal records, her ultimate goal was team success.
“I hope the fans enjoyed this game – I saw that my team enjoyed it, too. I gave everything for this game. We just needed a little bit more. I don't care about my record today; I wanted our team to win, unfortunately,” Tushova said.
Her journey in the PVL was remarkable, guiding the young Solar Spikers, who had struggled in the previous tournament, to their first-ever playoff appearance.
Tushova's tenure with the team has left an indelible mark on the league and its fans.
Looking ahead, Tushova is set to join her new team, Ganja, in Azerbaijan.
As she prepares for this next chapter, she carries with her valuable lessons learned from her time in the Philippines.
“For sure, like how you do here – amazing, yes. But I still have this boundary, and my coaches often tell me, 'Marina, relax, enjoy, smile.' Sometimes I'm too intense, thinking, 'How is it possible to smile when you work so hard?'” she reflected.
“But yes, you Filipinos taught me this. You can enjoy and work hard. You can smile and still be dedicated. Yes, I like that. I hope to keep this spirit, this Filipino part of me, even when I move to a new environment. I need to keep it.”
As Tushova bids farewell to the Philippines, her legacy as a volleyball icon is firmly established. The lessons learned and the memories created will undoubtedly shape her future endeavors and continue to inspire both her and her fans.
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