MANILA, Philippines — After one conference of struggle and setbacks in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), the Capital 1 Solar Spikers shone brightly on Tuesday and defeated two-time Reinforced Conference champion Petro Gazz Angels.
It was just one win but Capital 1 head coach Roger Gorayeb said he is already seeing growth for his team that scored a 26-24, 25-20, 25-18 victory against the Angels.
"Who would've thought that we could win via straight sets? Then we won straight sets against an experienced team? This is big for us. This is a morale booster for our squad. We prepared for this, some of the executions were not seen during the game, but we stuck to our winning plan," Gorayeb said.
Overcoming the doubts of the spectators, the bench tactician highlighted how it was tough to keep up with the high expectations, especially since they were just less than six months in in the league.
"There are so many people having side comments. They are so impatient, they never [considered] that this is a team that was formed in less than six months," he said.
One factor that gave the Solar Spikers enough confidence was when they won one set against Akari in their opening match, 25-18, 27-25, 22-25, 25-14.
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"Our experience last game was winning a set, but the breaks of the game were not in our favor. This time we don't need the 'breaks,' the players now know how, they listen to me. I am not talking to them, but you see? They are listening to me," he added.
"I am happy with my set of players right now. We will be stronger."
As shocking as the outcome was, Gorayeb said that he expected this result.
"I expected to win today (Tuesday)...but not in straight sets. This is a very tough team, Petro Gazz is a very tough team. You cannot defeat them easily," Gorayeb said.
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