Capital1 maintains lethal form in sweep of Choco Mucho

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Capital1 Solar Spikers continued to clamber their way up the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference standings after sweeping the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 25-23, 26-24, 25-19, on Nov. 4, 2025, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Even though their first encounter was scrapped when the PVL decided to invalidate the matches without their imports, the Solar Spikers still couldn’t forget how Choco Mucho beat them during their three-set showdown last Oct. 7, 2025.

On that day, the Flying Titans spoiled the debut of top rookie Bella Belen, edging them in three thrilling sets, 33-31, 26-24, 25-23, at the Ynares Center.

Choco Mucho may have smirked first, but it was the Solar Spikers who got the last laugh.

This time, in the recorded showdown with both imports now present, Capital1 quickly turned the tables and gave Choco Mucho a dose of their own medicine after pulling off the straight-sets win.

Down 17-22, the Solar Spikers staged an impressive comeback effort, bolstered by the offensive production of import Oleksandra Bytsenko and Belen.

Aside from their solid scoring output, unsung hero Rachel Austero also stepped up when Capital1 needed her the most, as did the defensive duo of Pia Abbu and Leila Cruz, who scored two crucial blocks that gave the Solar Spikers a 24-23 lead in the opening set.

Sealing their first-set comeback was an attack error from Choco Mucho’s import, Marlee Smith, who unfortunately touched the net during a drop ball attempt from the right side of the court.

From there, Capital1 maintained its momentum and didn’t give any room to breathe for the struggling Flying Titans.

Midway through the third, the Solar Spikers were petrified after Belen went down with cramps, but Bytsenko answered the call and prevented any heightened drama to wrap up the fiery matchup in just three sets.

Bytsenko led the way for the Solar Spikers with 17 points built from 15 successful attacks, eight excellent receptions, and two service aces.

Belen, who didn’t play in the remaining 11 game possessions in the final set, still managed to tally 11 markers derived from nine successful attacks and five excellent receptions.

Meanwhile, the newly acquired Austero finally delivered for Capital1, chipping in eight points, six excellent digs, and four excellent receptions.

With the huge win, the Solar Spikers achieved their first-ever winning streak in the PVL and improved to three wins and two losses, while Choco Mucho slid to two wins and three losses.