Capital1 slips past Cignal

Displaying composure and sheer determination, the Capital1 clawed its way through multiple deficits before completing a stunning straight-sets victory over Cignal, 25-23, 25-23, 25-21, in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Powered by the dynamic duo of Oleksandra Bytsenko and Bella Belen, Capital1 showcased nerves of steel to notch their second win in four outings for a 2-2 win-loss card in Pool A of the tournament.

The hard-fought win moved the Solar Spikers closer to securing a spot in Pool D, where they will face the bottom three teams from Pool B, a chance to further solidify their bid for a quarterfinal berth.

“So I’m very happy and very proud of them because we work as a team. From the first point, we knew we had a plan and we followed. And even if we have to do some changes, we did. We adjusted the team, especially on this third set,” said Solar Spikers head coach Jorge de Brito.

“Even if they make adjustments there, we get a big distance. And then they got super close. But the intention they had to minimize also our spikers. But we adjusted at the right moment. So I’m happy about that and the tournament is just beginning,” he added.

Bytsenko delivered another stellar all-around performance, firing 23 points built on 20 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while also contributing 12 excellent receptions.

Belen provided solid support with an 11-point, 14-dig outing as the local scoring leader in the one-hour, 30-minute duel that crushed the Super Spikers’ hopes of advancing to Pool D.

Veteran playmaker Iris Tolenada steered the offense with 16 excellent sets and four points, while team captain Roma Doromal anchored the floor defense with 15 excellent digs and 14 receptions. Leila Cruz chipped in eight markers.

Capital1’s most defining moment came in the second set, when the team rallied from a 10-17 hole.

Pia Abbu, Kseniia Bytsenko, Alyssa Belen, and Rachel Austero joined forces in a sizzling 13-5 comeback run that flipped the momentum and handed the Solar Spikers a 23-22 lead.

Bytsenko’s off-the-block kill pushed Capital1 to set point, and after Katrin Trebichavska momentarily kept Cignal alive, the Super Spikers’ attack error handed the Solar Spikers a commanding two-set cushion.

From there, Capital1 rode their rhythm and confidence to close out the match in the third frame, completing a breakthrough sweep against one of the league’s perennial contenders.