Upstart Capital1 hopes to sustain their fiery start as they head into the second round of the PVL Reinforced Conference as a marked team.
With a regrouped crew, the Capital1 Solar Spikers have enjoyed tremendous success to start the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference. A six-month-old program, the team heads into the second round of pool play with a 3-2 record as Group B wrapped up action on Tuesday.
From a one-win team in the All-Filipino Conference, there’s no way but up for this team that features a core of battle-tested vets and highly talented rookies. Developed under Roger Gorayeb’s watchful eye, a winning culture has been established early on.
“Syempre natutuwa ako kasi sabi ko nga kanina sa dugout, what you do inside is a reflection of whatever I plan for them. In a matter of six months, na-regroup ko itong team na ‘to into a very good team,” Gorayeb reflected post-game after Capital1’s sweep over ZUS Coffee on Tuesday.
Gorayeb again praised his players’ attitudes. As good listeners, it’s only a matter of grasping what role the seasoned mentor wants for them.
There’s also Capital1’s two key vets in setter Iris Tolenada and high-scoring import Marina Tushova. Tolenada acts as Gorayeb’s on-court extension, while Tushova’s prowess culminated in a new PVL record.
“‘Yung setter ko nga, hinahayaan ko sya, sige bahala ka mag-isip diyan. Di ko siya pinapakelaman…once [in] a while sinasabihan ko siya ‘crucial ito, dito mo na ibigay ‘yung bola’,” Gorayeb reiterated.
“Si Marina rin naman, mabait, marunong mag English….So it’s easy for me to talk to Marina, wala ako masyado problema,” he added of his import who scored 32 points against the Thunderbelles.
Tolenada also praised Capital1’s work ethic. As a young team, she believes this is what sets them apart from the pack.
“We’re still building the program. We haven’t been together for so long. But we come in the gym every single day with a purpose. And that’s why we’re able to be successful especially when we need to be,” said Tolenada.
At the same time, Tolenada has willingly embraced the leadership role, becoming Ate Iris in her Philippine volleyball comeback. A tall task, but it’s another indicator of the trust given to her by Capital1’s top dogs.
“So, it’s me being a facilitator for the coaches, especially Coach Roger. And really just owning that leadership role,” she said.
Tushova also shared her observations on Capital1’s growth, noting, “So, when we started to play this conference, we made points more because of some mistakes in [the] other team or not the kill points. So, today, my teammates did kill points.”
Good omens
Up next for Capital1 will be Group D of the Reinforced Conference, where they will face Group A’s bottom three teams. As one of Group B’s leaders, they will also score rematches against Akari and Cignal who dealt them their current pair of losses.
Gorayeb sees the bigger picture this situation: “Kasi kumbaga in Tagalog, maganda ‘yung pangitain sa future. Maganda ‘yung magiging sitwasyon namin. Nakalayo naman na kami sa isang hell group…1,2,3 doon sa kabila eh.
“So looking forward ako sa future kasi kailan lang naman dumating ito [this June].”
Gorayeb vowed to make the most out of their situation. After all, it’s not often that a lottery team can grow as quickly as Capital1.
“Maganda ‘yung mindset namin, syempre medyo maganda ‘yung morale namin eh, mataas confidence level namin. We will not let this opportunity pass. Bihira ito eh, especially for us, a very young team,” he said.
“Baka wala pang nakagawa nang ganito eh. So hindi namin papakawalan ‘yung chance na ‘yan.”
For Tolenada, a full team effort is needed to sustain Capital1’s fiery start heading into Group D, where the stakes are now higher.
“I think it’s just going to take everyone being present. Being present in the moment and continuing to strengthen our strengths and work on our weaknesses. Again, just committing to be resilient and being good teammates to each other,” she concluded.
Banner Image courtesy of the Premier Volleyball League.