Solar Spikers surge into play-in with comeback over Highrisers

Capital1 secured a dramatic entry into the play-in round of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, defeating Galeries Tower in four sets, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, 26-24, on the final day of the preliminaries at the Filoil Centre.

The Solar Spikers closed the preliminaries with a 4-5 record and 10 points, clinching the eighth seed. They are now set for a play-in quarterfinal rematch against the ninth-seeded Highrisers, who ended their campaign with a 2-7 record.

Bella Belen emerged as the hero in the tense fourth set, scoring three of the team’s final four points and finishing with 23 points, along with 14 excellent digs and 15 receptions. Her clutch plays helped Capital1 halt a two-game losing streak.

Trailing 22-23 in the extended fourth set, Belen delivered a clever push to keep her team alive. Aiza Maizo-Pontillas of Galeries Tower momentarily gave her team a set point with an off-the-block hit, but Belen’s powerful cross-court strike tied the set at 24-all. Capital1 seized the advantage following a costly attack error from Winnie Bedana, and Belen sealed the match with a decisive kill.

The Solar Spikers capped the fourth set on a 15-7 run, overcoming a 17-11 deficit to complete a remarkable comeback.

“Sa training pa lang, nasusubukan na namin ‘yung ganoong scenario. Lagi naming hindi nagagawa sa training, pero ngayon lumabas ‘yung composure namin,” Belen said. “Masaya ako na hindi nawala ‘yung focus ng team. Puwede naman naming ibigay ‘yung fourth set, tapos bawi na lang sa fifth, pero hindi. Talagang nilaban ‘yung fourth set.”

France Ronquillo contributed 20 points, 19 coming from attacks, while Cherry Nunag and Sydney Niegos added 14 and 11 points, respectively. Niegos also recorded 13 excellent digs. Setter Jasmine Nabor facilitated the offense with 20 excellent sets and four points, while captain and libero Roma Mae Doromal anchored the defense with 23 receptions.

For Galeries Tower, Maizo-Pontillas led the scoring with 17 points, supported by Jean Asis’ 14 markers. Erika Deloria posted a double-double with 10 points and 15 excellent receptions, while Gayla Pascual also had 10 points. Julia Coronel directed the offense with 25 excellent sets and added three points, including two blocks.

Capital1’s win sets the stage for a highly anticipated play-in clash, as the Solar Spikers aim to carry their momentum into the quarterfinals.