Capital1 Solar Spikers Stun Cignal Super Spikers in Fiery Straight-Sets Upset

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by Misha Cruz

Capital1 Solar Spikers celebrate during their upset win over Cignal.
Capital1 Solar Spikers celebrate during their upset win over Cignal. Photo: PVL Images.

Capital1 Solar Spikers just proved they’re not here to play nice; they’re here to shock everyone. 

In one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference, the Solar Spikers lit up the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Friday night, taking down powerhouse Cignal Super Spikers in straight sets, 25-23, 25-23, 25-21.

The duo of Ukrainian import Oleksandra Bytsenko and UAAP standout Bella Belen led the charge, blending power and poise to secure Capital1’s second win in Pool A (2-2). Their victory pushed the Solar Spikers closer to a Pool D slot—an important step in their fight for a quarterfinal spot.

Coach Jorge De Brito couldn’t hide his pride after the team pulled off another huge win.

“We worked as one. We had a plan, and we followed it—even when we needed to adjust, the girls stayed composed,” he said. “Cignal pushed back hard, but we stayed calm and found our rhythm at the right time.”

Capital1 import Oleksandra Bytsenko smashes against a Cignal defender.
Capital1 import Oleksandra Bytsenko smashes against a Cignal defender. Photo: PVL Images.

Bytsenko shone again with 23 points (20 attacks, 2 blocks, 1 ace) plus 12 excellent receptions, while Belen delivered an all-around gem with 11 points and 14 digs. Setter Iris Tolenada directed the offense with 16 excellent sets, and Roma Doromal was a wall on defense with 15 digs and 14 receptions.

The turning point? That epic second-set comeback. Down 10-17, Capital1 unleashed a stunning 13-5 rally led by Pia Abbu, Bytsenko, Belen, and Rachel Austero. Bytsenko’s off-the-block hit sealed the set before Cignal’s late error handed the Solar Spikers a 2-0 lead.

From there, the Solar Spikers never looked back, closing out the third with pure confidence and team chemistry that screamed "don’t sleep on us!"

Next up, Capital1 faces Choco Mucho on Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Cignal, meanwhile, drops to 2-3 and moves to Pool C despite Katrin Trebichavska’s 22-point effort.

Capital1’s star may have “Solar” in the name, but this win? It burned brighter than ever.