MANILA, Philippines — This time, it’s not just Bella Belen as Capital 1 also leaned on Sydney Niegos to lead the team to victory.
The Solar Spikers prevailed in a grueling five-setter match over the fortified Farm Fresh Foxies, 26-24, 20-25, 28-26, 23-25, 15-11, in the preliminary round of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Thursday evening at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Belen delivered her sixth consecutive 20-point performance, finishing with 23 points on 20 attacks and three blocks.
Niegos, on the other hand, who posted a career-high 20 points on 17 attacks, two blocks and an ace.
Shaya Adorador also scored in double figures for Capital 1, chipping in 14 points in the win.
“I always told everyone that I have trust in my teammates. Just like today. We can do it, and we need more patience, since we're a new team. We are just two months together and we’re all still figuring it all out,” Belen said after the game.
Belen scored a career-high 29 points in a win against Choco Mucho, a 26-point effort in a setback against 10-time league champion Creamline.
Against Creamline, there was a disparity in the points production for Capital 1 as the team’s second best scorer was Taps Tapia who netted four points.
Belen also scored 26 points in a win over ZUS and 28 points in a loss against PLDT.
On Thursday, the team did not rely heavily on the former UAAP Most Valuable Player as Jasmine Nabor, who made 24 excellent sets, rotated the ball through all the gunners.
Trisha Tubu scored a conference high 30 points for the Foxies as Ces Molina and Riri Meneses added 21 and 12 points, respectively.
The Solar Spikers improved to a 3-3 record while the Foxies dropped a 2-3 slate.