As if straight from a script, Marina Tushova delivered a stellar, record-breaking performance, amassing 45 points to propel Capital1 to a thrilling victory over a stunned Choco Mucho side, 13-25, 25-21, 18-25, 25-20, 15-13, in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Thursday.
Fueled by her teammates and the electrifying support of fans, Tushova showcased a dazzling array of shots, including powerful hits from the back row that left Choco Mucho's defense scrambling. Her efforts shattered the league’s previous scoring record, surpassing Prisilla Rivera’s 44-point feat from the Akari vs Choco Mucho match on Nov. 3, 2022.
Amid the celebration, Tushova modestly admitted she was unaware of her record-breaking achievement, saying: "I didn’t know about the scores (record), sorry… and about my numbers," said the Russian ace. She then added, "Thank you, my team. I love you. When we are on our way, we’re on our way."
The Solar Spikers are indeed on their way to a promising campaign. With two wins, including an impressive sweep of the Petro Gazz Angels, the team has climbed to third place with a 2-2 record in Pool B, trailing Cignal’s perfect 4-0 mark.
Akari, playing ZUS Coffee at presstime, aims to match Cignal’s hot start in the mid-season conference organized by Sports Vision.
Choco Mucho, meanwhile, slipped to a 1-3 tie with Petro Gazz.
Tushova, who previously scored 20 points in a loss to Akari, followed up with 24 points against Petro Gazz and dished out 28 markers versus Cignal.
In the fifth set against Choco Mucho, she delivered a crucial kill that not only matched Rivera’s record but also leveled the match at 11, capping Capital1’ stirring fightback from a three-point deficit, 4-7, following a Tushova attack error.
However, it wasn’t just the Tushova show. Norielle Ipac made critical plays, including a clutch block on Isa Molde and a quick attack off an assist from Iris Tolenada, pushing Capital1 to match point after Choco Mucho equalized at 12 and 13.
After thwarting the Flying Titans' final attack attempt, Tushova sealed the deal with a record-breaking kill from the back row, sending Capital1 owners Mandy and Milka Romero and their fans into jubilation.
“It’s all about desire,” said Tushova, who also contributed 12 excellent digs and 18 receptions in a standout performance.
Des Clemente added seven points, Ipac contributed six, and Tolenada complemented her 17 excellent sets with five points.
For Choco Mucho, it was a disheartening loss after a promising start.
Zoi Faki led with 28 points, Dindin Manabat added 16, while Royse Tubino and Maddie Madayag each contributed eight points, and Maika Ortiz chipped in with six.
Capital1 will try to break its los-win-loss-win run against ZUS Coffee on Tuesday while Choco Mucho faces Petro Gazz in a duel of struggling teams.
