Capital1 flipped what looked like a disastrous evening into one of its most composed performances of the Reinforced Conference, turning a slow start into a commanding 12-25, 29-27, 25-19, 25-18 win over Galeries Tower on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The Solar Spikers shook off a flat opening frame, then clawed back from a perilous 21-24 hole in Set 2 to completely reverse the rhythm of the match.

The turnaround began with three straight clutch points that forced an extension, followed by a gritty exchange that Capital1 controlled through the composure of Sasha Bytsenko, Bella Belen and Sydney Niegos. Their late-set poise not only stole the frame but also swung the match’s temperament toward the Solar Spikers, who never looked back once the score leveled.

Solar Spikers seize control after tense second frame

Capital1 needed another stretch of steadiness to pull away in the third, but once they settled into their rhythm, the Highrisers struggled to break through. Bytsenko stayed relentless from start to finish, and her final swing — the 35th point of her night — slammed shut Galeries Tower’s winless campaign.

The victory pushed Capital1 to 4-4 at the end of the two-phase prelims, giving them 13 points and lifting them ahead of Akari, which also sits at 4-4 but with 12 points. Their final placement remained dependent on the PLDT–Petro Gazz match later in the day, keeping sixth place within reach.

Yandoc provides spark and emotion in defining performance

The night’s breakthrough belonged to Nika Yandoc, who came off the bench for veteran setter Iris Tolenada and immediately shifted the emotional and tactical tone of the match. She delivered 19 excellent sets and directed the offense with confidence beyond her experience, taking full command during the final two frames.

Her poise resonated throughout the team, culminating in her first-ever Best Player of the Game honor — a moment that overwhelmed her in the post-match interview as she tearfully dedicated the win to her mother watching from the stands. Yandoc shared that her steady presence stemmed from the belief placed in her by the coaching staff and teammates, who urged her simply to trust her decisions and deliver the ball with conviction.

Belen added 14 points, while Niegos chipped in seven, highlighted by the pivotal block that capped Capital1’s dramatic Set 2 rescue. Leila Cruz provided six markers, with Chel Austero and Tolenada contributing late-impact points.

For Galeries Tower, Jelena Cvijovic led with 18 points, followed by France Ronquillo with 17, Jean Asis with 12 and Ysa Jimenez with 11. Despite steady scoring, their collapse in the second set proved costly as they closed their campaign at 0-8, tied with the Chameleons at the bottom.