MANILA — Capital1 Solar Energy dug deep and leaned on clutch performances from Sydney Niegos and Mhicaela Belen to outlast a relentless Farm Fresh side, hacking out a 26-24, 20-25, 28-26, 20-25, 15-11 thriller in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
In a match defined by momentum swings and late-set drama, the Solar Spikers held their nerve in the deciding fifth set to secure their third win in six outings, while handing the Foxies their third loss in five games.
Niegos sparked Capital1’s decisive push, finishing with 20 points on 17 attacks, two blocks, and one service ace. She set the tone early in the final frame, powering the Solar Spikers to a 4-0 start with three quick markers.
But Farm Fresh refused to fold.
Behind Riri Meneses and Ces Molina, the Foxies clawed back and eventually forced a 10-all deadlock, threatening to steal the match after battling through four tightly contested sets.
With the match hanging in the balance, Capital1 unleashed a telling 4-0 run to seize control and move to match point, punctuated by a crafty off-speed tip from Ezra Madrigal.
Farm Fresh momentarily stayed alive after a service error by Shaya Adorador, but Belen slammed the door shut with a sharp cross-court attack that sealed the two-hour-plus showdown.
Belen delivered a massive triple-double performance with 23 points, 19 excellent receptions, and 12 excellent digs, underscoring her all-around impact. Ilongga Adorador chipped in 14 points in the gritty victory.
On the other side, Trisha Tubu erupted for 30 points to pace Farm Fresh, while Molina and Rizza Cruz added 21 and 12 points, respectively. Despite the explosive scoring output, the Foxies slipped to a 2-3 record.
In the earlier match, Choco Mucho Flying Titans snapped a three-game losing streak after surviving Galeries Tower Highrisers in another five-set encounter, 26-24, 20-25, 22-25, 25-13, 25-12.
Lorraine Pecana powered the Flying Titans with 15 points built on seven attacks, four blocks, and four service aces, helping lift Choco Mucho to a 2-3 record and into a tie with the Highrisers.
Both matches highlighted the growing intensity of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, with teams battling not only for wins but crucial positioning in the early stretch of the tournament./PN
