The Capital1 Solar Spikers. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA (UPDATED) — Capital1 earned its second win of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference by completing a rare sweep of Cignal, 25-23, 25-23, 25-21, on Friday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Before this, the first and only time the Solar Spikers won in straight sets was on July 23, 2024, against Petro Gazz Angels during last year's iteration of the import-laced competition.
As they earned this sweep, although in closely fought three sets, prized rookie Bella Belen sees better things to come for the Solar Spikers.
"For me talaga this is a good sign na paunti-unti na nagje-jell din 'yung team and 'yung sistema, talagang nakukuha na," said the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft number one overall pick, who delivered 11 points and 14 excellent digs, winning Player of the Game nod.
But it was Oleksandra Bytsenko who led the scoring with 23 points from a 22-of-56 attacking clip, to go with 12 excellent receptions.
In one of the more defining moments, the Solar Spikers slowly progressed their way back after falling down 10-17 in Set 2.
They eventually took the lead at 23-22, thanks to a Belen ace, followed by a crosscourt hit from Bytsenko to reach set point, 24-22.
Katrin Trebichavska saved one set point after a sharp backrow hit, but she failed the next attack attempt as it went out, granting the Solar Spikers a 2-0 lead.
From there, the Solar Spikers just rode that momentum to clinch just their second sweep win in franchise history.
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"Since from the first point, we knew we had a plan and we followed," expressed coach Jorge de Brito.
This win gives Capital1 a shot at a Top 3 finish in Pool A, gaining a 2-2 win-loss card, while Cignal will have to play in Pool C in the next round.
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The Solar Spikers will take the PVL taraflex again on Tuesday for a replay against Choco Mucho after their opening match was voided.
On the other hand, Cignal is now out of contention for Top 3, settling for a 2-3 win-loss card with five points. Trebichavska lacked the support from the locals, as she was the lone bright spot for their side after tallying 22 points.