MANILA — Mhicaela Belen unleashed a career-high 35 points as Capital1 Solar Spikers outlasted Akari Chargers in a nerve-wracking fifth-set showdown, 28-26, 22-25, 25-15, 23-25, 21-19, to break into the win column of the 2026-27 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series on Thursday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Belen delivered a spectacular all-around performance, complementing her offensive explosion with 20 excellent digs and 19 excellent receptions to claim Player of the Game honors and power the Solar Spikers to their first victory of the conference.
The hard-earned triumph also provided redemption for Capital1, which suffered a heartbreaking five-set defeat to Choco Mucho Flying Titans in its season opener in Cebu.
Determined to avoid another painful setback, the Solar Spikers displayed greater composure in the decisive fifth set, surviving an extended battle that pushed both teams beyond the regulation 15-point mark.
Capital1 drew first blood with a tightly contested 28-26 opening-set victory before Akari retaliated with a 25-22 win in the second frame.
The Solar Spikers regained control with a commanding 25-15 third-set performance, but the Chargers refused to surrender, forcing a deciding set after taking the fourth, 25-23.
With neither team willing to yield, the fifth set turned into a gripping exchange before Capital1 finally prevailed, 21-19, to complete its breakthrough victory.
The result improved the Solar Spikers’ record to 1-1, while Akari dropped to 0-2 following its opening-game defeat to defending champion Creamline Cool Smashers.
Meanwhile, Choco Mucho Flying Titans sustained their unbeaten start with a convincing 25-20, 25-17, 25-20 sweep of ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles.
Cherry Rondina spearheaded the Flying Titans’ balanced offensive attack with 15 points, while Eya Laure contributed 13 as Choco Mucho secured its second consecutive victory for a 2-0 record.
The Flying Titans dictated the tempo through the first two sets before overcoming early resistance from the Thunderbelles in the third frame.
ZUS Coffee managed to stay within striking distance early in the set, but Choco Mucho gradually pulled away to establish a 21-16 advantage.
Laure and Kat Tolentino then helped deliver the finishing blows, denying the Thunderbelles an opportunity to extend the contest.
AC Miner led ZUS Coffee’s scoring effort with nine points, but the Thunderbelles struggled to match the Flying Titans’ offensive firepower and consistency.
Choco Mucho’s victory reinforced its strong early form in the conference, while Capital1’s dramatic breakthrough highlighted Belen’s growing importance to the Solar Spikers’ campaign./PN
