Bytsenko scores 39 as Capital1 defeats Nxled in four

Capital1 import Sasha Bytsenko delivered a record-breaking 39-point performance to lead the Solar Spikers past the Nxled Chameleons, 25-20, 23-25, 27-25, 25-12, in the PVL Reinforced Conference on Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Bytsenko’s explosive outing eclipsed the previous 38-point mark set by Farm Fresh’s Eli Rousseaux and propelled Capital1 to its first win in Pool A for a 1-1 record.

Though the fourth set ended in a rout, the Solar Spikers had to battle through tight opening frames before overwhelming Nxled with a mid-set scoring barrage led by Bytsenko.

The Ukrainian standout also contributed 17 excellent receptions, igniting a stretch that turned a slim 10-6 lead into a 19-8 advantage with six straight points.

Her crosscourt hits and well-timed blocks rattled the Chameleons, who lost control of the match in the final frame.

Top rookie Bella Belen backed her up with 15 points and 14 excellent digs, providing floor defense and consistent attacking throughout the match.

Nxled import Paola Martinez kept pace with Bytsenko early, but her efficiency dipped in the fourth set as Capital1’s net defense took over.

Chameleons coach Ettore Guidetti tried an all-Filipino lineup late in the match, but it failed to slow Capital1’s momentum.

The Solar Spikers finished with 59 attack points to Nxled’s 46 and doubled their opponent’s block output, 10-5, showing marked improvement from their straight-set loss to PLDT.

We played like a team—with energy, said Bytsenko, who was named Best Player of the Game.

After Set 2, I saw it in my teammates’ eyes—we would win this game, she added, citing trust as a key factor in their bounce-back performance.

Iris Tolenada tallied 26 excellent sets to anchor Capital1’s offense with poise and precision, spreading the ball effectively to keep their attack unpredictable.

Martinez led Nxled with 20 points, while Chiara Permentilla added 18, but the Chameleons couldn’t overcome lapses in consistency and defense.

Nxled fell to 0-2 in Pool A after another four-set defeat, this time struggling to sustain pressure in crucial stretches.

Capital1, meanwhile, proved that strong recruitment paired with chemistry and execution can deliver immediate results.