The Capital1 Solar Spikers battled back from a flat start to defeat the Galeries Tower Highrisers in four sets and secure a stronger playoff position heading into the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals.
The Capital1 Solar Spikers shook off a shaky opening frame and powered their way to a four-set victory over the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 12-25, 29-27, 25-19, 25-18, in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference on Thursday, November 20, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Already assured of a quarterfinal berth, Capital1 still needed the win to strengthen its bid for a better playoff seed.
But the Solar Spikers had to survive an inspired Galeries Tower team that played loose in its final match of the conference and stunned Capital1 with a dominant first set.
The Solar Spikers eventually steadied behind import Sasha Bytsenko, who carried much of the offensive load. Backup setter Nikka Yandoc also stepped up with 19 excellent sets and a point.
Tied at 8-all in the third set, Bytsenko sparked a decisive 10-1 surge, scoring eight points in that stretch, to completely turn the match around.
From there, Capital1 cruised to victory to improve to 4-4 for sixth in the standings. They may still drop to the 7th spot depending on Petro Gazz’s match later in the evening.
Galeries Tower ends their Reinforced campaign without a win at 0-8.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.