Capital1 stuns Cignal in straight-sets win at PVL 2025

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Capital1 refused to back down and showcased remarkable composure and determination in a thrilling PVL clash. The Solar Spikers overcame multiple deficits to defeat the Cignal Super Spikers 25-23, 25-23, 25-21 in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Friday, October 31, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Powered by the dynamic duo of Oleksandra Bytsenko and Bella Belen, Capital1 notched their second win in four outings (2-2) in Pool A of the tournament.

Capital1 Solar Spikers celebrate a straight-sets win over Cignal Super Spikers. [PVL Images]

Breakthrough performances fuel Capital1’s win

Bytsenko delivered a stellar all-around performance with 23 points, including 20 attacks, two blocks, an ace, and 12 excellent receptions. Belen contributed 11 points and 14 digs, leading the local scoring effort. Veteran playmaker Iris Tolenada orchestrated the offense with 16 excellent sets and four points, while team captain Roma Doromal anchored the defense with 15 digs and 14 receptions. Leila Cruz added eight markers.

Head coach Jorge De Brito praised the team’s teamwork and adaptability. “So I’m very happy and very proud of them because we work as a team. Since from the first point, we knew we had a plan and we followed. And even if we have to do some changes, we did,” he said. “We adjusted on the right moment. So I’m happy for that and the tournament is just beginning.”

Key moments and future matchups

Capital1’s defining moment came in the second set, rallying from a 10-17 deficit with a 13-5 run, led by Pia Abbu, Bytsenko, Belen, and Rachel Austero. Bytsenko’s off-the-block kill pushed the team to set point, and Cignal’s attack error sealed a two-set cushion. Capital1 maintained momentum in the third frame to complete a breakthrough sweep over a perennial contender.

The win moves Capital1 closer to securing a Pool D spot, where they will face the bottom three teams from Pool B in their bid for a quarterfinal berth. They next face Choco Mucho on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Meanwhile, Cignal ended the first round with a 2-3 record and will be relegated to Pool C. Katrin Trebichavska led Cignal with 22 points, while Erika Santos and Rose Doria-Aquino added nine and eight, respectively.