The Capital1 Solar Spikers are one of the new teams in the PVL, and they're out to display heart and desire in the 2024 All-Filipino Conference.
The Capital1 Solar Spikers have neither the luxury of a long preparation nor the time to build chemistry with only a few weeks before jumping headlong into the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
But they have plenty of heart and desire to make up for it. There's no egos here. These players have been given valuable playing time to prove that they do belong in the professional league.
Well, it's time to shine.
Coach: Roger Gorayeb
AFC lineup
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Outside hitters: Jannine Navarro, Heather Guino-o, Ja Lana, Arriane Layug, Jorelle Singh, Patty Orendain
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Opposite spikers: Sydney Niegos, Renesa Melgar, Aiko Urdas, Rovee Instrella
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Middle blockers: Kathrine Villegas, Des Clemente, Cathrina Dizon, Shyra Umandal, Shirley Salamagos
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Setters: Jhudielle Quizon, May Macatuno, Dana Del Rosario
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Liberos: Bingle Landicho, Rica Rivera
She's the captain now
It's not everyday that a volleybelle gets a second chance to play in the PVL, and outside hitter Jorelle Singh knows it.
"Sobrang thankful na nabigyan ng chance na makapaglaro sa PVL. 'Di lahat nabibigyan ng chance makapaglaro. What more na mabigyan ng second chance?" said Singh, who previously suited up for PLDT... also then under coach Roger Gorayeb.
[ALSO READ: 'It's good to be back!': Jorelle Singh relishes second PVL chance with Capital1]
What they said
One of Capital1's promising members is Ja Lana, the standout of the UE Lady Red Warriors during UAAP Season 85.
"Siguro, gusto ko lang talaga mag-grow, since nakailang years na rin ako sa UE. Gusto ko talagang mas ma-build up ko pa 'yung paglalaro," Lana told reporters.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Ja Lana ready to bring "Warrior" spirit for debuting Capital1]
Coach's corner
Gorayeb is a seasoned tactician in the volleyball scene and he's staying optimistic about the Solar Spikers' chances despite their limited time together.
"Gutom sila sa playing time so I am very sure they will give it their all each game. Lalaban sila ng sabayan sa mga established teams in the league," he said during a team dinner.
Team owners Milka and Mandy Romero had emphasized they were not in a hurry to win a title. They have to cultivate the winning culture.
And Gorayeb is taking that to heart.
"Maganda support ng mga Romero sa amin. Ang laki ng pagkakaiba sa previous teams," he said during the PVL press conference. "Sobrang suporta ibinibigay sa akin. Mahirap, ayokong mapahiya."
"If possible, we'll try to pull off some magic," he said. "Miracle ang kailangan ko dito."
[ALSO READ: PVL: Roger Gorayeb shares aim for new team Capital1 Power Spikers]
First clash
Sabak agad!
The Capital1 Solar Spikers will be facing an immediate acid test on February 20, Tuesday, when they take on the Chery Tiggo Crossovers at 6 p.m.
The game will be aired on One Sports, One Sports+, and the Pilipinas Live app.