THE loaded Capital 1 Solar Spikers are gunning for their second consecutive victory when they face the win-seeking ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference-Siklab Series on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Capital 1 (1-1) and ZUS (0-1) open the Tuesday triple-header action at 1 p.m., followed by Spikers’ Turf teams National University and VNS Always Bright Laticrete chasing their first win at 3:30 p.m., and capped by the PLDT High Speed Hitters (0-1) and Akari Chargers (0-2) match at 6 p.m.
The Solar Spikers secured their first win of the tournament after outlasting Akari in a thrilling five-setter, powered by Bella Belen’s career-high 35-point performance, which she stuffed with 20 excellent digs and 19 excellent receptions.
“What I always draw motivation from is what we achieved last conference. Last conference, we didn’t make it to the playoffs. So this conference, more skillful players joined us. I feel like we have a chance to perform even better compared to last conference,” Belen told the media in Filipino.
“All they want is for us to enjoy and win. That’s what we do every game, we try to enjoy, and of course, as much as possible, we need to win,” she added.
As a young franchise that entered the PVL in 2024, Capital 1 has heavily bolstered its roster by adding fiery hitters Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos.
After opening their campaign with a tight five-set heartbreaker against Choco Mucho, the squad bounced back strongly against the veteran-laden Akari side.
Now eyeing their second straight win, the Jorge de Brito-mentored squad must prepare for a ZUS team bannered by Alexis Miner and Zam Nolasco. Miner and Nolasco contributed nine and eight points, respectively, in their straight-set loss to the Flying Titans.
The Thunderbelles also feature veterans Jov Gonzaga and Rachel Daquis, who could provide the spark needed to lift the squad.
Following the matchup between National University and VNS Always Bright Laticrete, the PLDT High Speed Hitters and Akari Chargers will clash for their first victory of the conference.
PLDT was stunned by the Nxled Chameleons in its opening match, where Savi Davison led the team as the only double-digit scorer with 10 points, alongside Dell Palomata’s nine markers.
