MANILA — Mhicaela Belen unleashed a dominant all-around performance as Capital1 Solar Energy Solar Spikers survived a gritty five-set battle against Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 25-21, 18-25, 25-18, 19-25, 15-10, to notch a crucial win in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Tuesday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Belen exploded for 29 points built on 25 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces, while anchoring the defense with 15 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions to power the Solar Spikers to a 2-2 slate and earn Player of the Game honors.
“Siyempre I am very happy naipanalo namin ‘yung game. Hindi naman namin ito maipapanalo itong game na ito kung hindi kami nagtulong tulong,” Belen said in a post-game interview.
Capital1 showed poise in the deciding frame, pulling away late behind Belen’s relentless offense and France Ronquillo’s timely support. With the match hanging in the balance, Belen delivered decisive hits that kept the Flying Titans on their heels, while Ronquillo came through with crucial points to preserve the Solar Spikers’ edge down the stretch.
Choco Mucho forced a fifth set after trading victories in the second and fourth frames, but struggled to contain Belen’s firepower when it mattered most.
In the earlier match, Creamline Cool Smashers rebounded from an opening-set stumble and rolled past ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 22-25, 25-17, 25-16, 25-18.
Setter Julia Morado-de Guzman masterfully orchestrated Creamline’s offense, dishing out 25 excellent sets while adding 10 points on six attacks, two blocks, and two aces to earn Player of the Game honors.
Bernadeth Pons led the Cool Smashers with 19 points, including 16 attacks, while Diana Carlos and Jessica Galanza chipped in 12 and 11 markers, respectively.
After dropping the first set, Creamline quickly regained control behind a balanced scoring attack and tightened floor defense to seize the next three frames and improve its campaign.
Chinnie Arroyo paced the Thunderbelles with 18 points, while Thea Gagate added 11 as ZUS Coffee slipped to a 1-3 record./PN
