Capital1’s prized import Sasha Bytsenko exploded for a record-breaking 39 points to lead the Solar Spikers to a convincing 25-20, 23-25, 27-25, 25-12 victory over the Nxled Chameleons in the PVL Reinforced Conference on Thursday, October 16, at the Araneta Coliseum.

Bytsenko shattered the previous 38-point scoring mark set by Farm Fresh’s Eli Rousseaux earlier in the tournament, powering Capital1 to its first win in Pool A after a disappointing straight-sets loss in their opener. Her fiery performance showcased the payoff of the Solar Spikers’ aggressive offseason recruitment strategy.

Bytsenko ignites Solar Spikers’ pivotal run

While the fourth set looked like a runaway, the Solar Spikers had to grind through three tight frames before finally breaking Nxled’s resistance. Bytsenko anchored a blistering mid-set scoring spree, firing six points in a decisive stretch that turned a slim 10-6 lead into a 19-8 cushion. Her sharp crosscourt kills and timely blocks punctuated a dominant closing stretch that left the Chameleons reeling.

The Ukrainian also contributed 17 excellent receptions in a stellar all-around outing. Top rookie pick Bella Belen added steady offense and floor defense, helping Capital1 stabilize after early momentum swings. Nxled’s Paola Martinez matched Bytsenko shot for shot in the opening sets but faded in the fourth as Capital1’s net defense tightened.

Nxled coach Ettore Guidetti gambled on an all-Filipino lineup to try to shift the momentum, but the move backfired as the Solar Spikers continued their surge.

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Team effort seals crucial bounce-back win

Capital1 dominated statistically, outspiking Nxled 59-46 and doubling its block output 10-5 to display a level of cohesion that was absent in its opening match. Setter Iris Tolenada steered the attack with 26 excellent sets, while Belen marked her first professional victory with 15 points and 14 excellent digs.

“We played like a team – with energy,” said Bytsenko, who was named Best Player of the Game. “I feel the energy. After Set 2, I could see it in my teammates’ eyes. So I felt – we would win this game.”

Martinez finished with 20 points while Chiara Permentilla added 18, but the duo could not lift Nxled from its 0-2 start in Pool A after another four-set defeat, following their earlier loss to Farm Fresh.

Capital1’s dominant finish sent a clear message: with the right mix of talent and execution, the Solar Spikers are poised to contend deep into the conference.