Capital1 Solar Spikers opened their Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference campaign with a four-set victory over ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 25-17, 25-16, 15-25, 25-19, Tuesday night, February 3, at the FilOil Playtime Centre in Pasig.

The win was fueled by Bella Belen’s dominating 26-point performance and the immediate impact of Capital1’s new recruits. After cruising through the first two sets, the Solar Spikers faced a third-set challenge as ZUS Coffee, led by veteran Jovelyn Gonzaga, mounted a brief comeback.

Roster depth proves decisive

Shaya Adorador contributed 14 points, Ysa Jimenez 13, and Pauline Gaston added 10, giving Capital1 multiple offensive options. Their balanced play relieved the pressure on Belen, allowing her to focus on closing out the match.

ZUS Coffee relied on Thea Gagate’s 15 points, Nogales’ 12, Arroyo’s 11, and Gonzaga’s 10 to extend the contest, but the Thunderbelles were unable to contain the Solar Spikers’ depth and late-set momentum.

Belen’s fourth-set surge seals the win

Trailing briefly at 13-16 in the fourth set, Belen rotated to her favored attacking spot and unleashed an 11-2 finishing run. Her kills repeatedly pierced ZUS Coffee’s defense, forcing match point at 24-19. Even a service miscue from Adorador could not slow her, and a narrowly missed shot by Chinnie Arroyo finalized Capital1’s win.

“Inisip ko lang kung pano i-close out ang game kasi may chance kami,” Belen said after the match. She credited the supporting cast, noting the contributions of Adorador, Gaston, Jimenez, Cherry Nunag, and Ezra Madrigal for creating the space that enabled her explosive finish.

The victory highlighted the success of Capital1’s offseason investments. The Solar Spikers demonstrated improved poise, composure, and balance — a marked change from previous seasons when Belen had to shoulder the offense alone.