By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Capital1 banked on a strong second-set onslaught as it turned back Nxled, 21-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-18, and captured its first victory in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday, Nov. 30.
Trailing 20-15 in that frame, the Solar Spikers erupted for a 10-1 blitz to steal the set win — enough to boost their confidence for the remainder of the match.
Heather Guino-o came through with 21 points for the Milka and Mandy Romero-owned franchise, whose triumph also snapped its three-game losing spell.
“Ayoko lang sayangin yung binigay na chance sa akin ni coach,” said Guino-oo, who highlighted her performance with 19 attacks.
Capital1 coach Roger Gorayeb was not surprised of Guino-o’s performance, adding he was confident of the hard-hitting spiker’s capabilities.
“Lagi kong sinasabihan yan na eto na chance mo, huwag mo nang sayangin. Huwag ka nang mag-dalawang-isip kung kaya o hindi,” Gorayeb said.
While Nxled matched Capital1’s defense — posting the same amount of 13 blocks — the Solar Spikers dominated on the offensive department by unleashing more kills, 57-39.
Rookie Leila Cruz was responsible for 15 of those attacks, finishing with 17 points.
They overshadowed the efforts of Chiara Permentilla, who was the lone double-digit scorer of 23 points in a futile effort to lift the Chameleons.
Nxled skidded to 0-4.
