Capital1 Turns Up the Heat, Sweeps Choco Mucho to Make a Statement

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by Misha Cruz

The Capital1 Solar Spikers celebrate during their game versus Choco Mucho.
The Capital1 Solar Spikers celebrate during their game versus Choco Mucho. Photo: PVL Images.

If anyone still doubted Capital1’s potential, this match was their mic-drop moment.

The Solar Spikers came out with fire in their eyes and vengeance in their hearts, stunning Choco Mucho in straight sets, 25-23, 26-24, 25-19, Tuesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.

This was no ordinary win; it was payback. The last time these two teams met back in October, Capital1 couldn’t field its imports and got swept. This time, they flipped the script completely, dominating from start to finish and leaving no doubt that they belong among the PVL’s rising contenders.

Capital1’s latest triumph, following their sweep of Cignal last week, pushed them to 3-2 in Pool A and secured the No. 3 spot behind PLDT and Farm Fresh. More importantly, it proved that this team is peaking at exactly the right time.

Capital1 star Bella Belen spikes the ball against two Choco Mucho defenders.
Capital1 star Bella Belen spikes the ball against two Choco Mucho defenders. Photo: PVL Images.

From the opening whistle, the Solar Spikers played like a squad with something to prove. Every dig, every block, every well-placed spike screamed urgency and confidence. Their chemistry, once a work in progress, looked sharp, fluid, and fearless.

Leading the charge was Bella Belen, who delivered another all-around masterclass with 11 points and a steady defensive presence that anchored their crucial second-set comeback. Her court energy was infectious, the kind of presence that reminds you why she’s one of the most exciting young stars to watch right now.

Chel Austero added eight points before unfortunately tweaking her ankle late in the third set, while Leila Cruz and Pia Abbu chipped in six apiece to complete Capital1’s balanced scoring.

The Solar Spikers also showed serious composure under pressure. Down 20-23 in the second set, they rallied behind Belen’s fire and Bytsenko’s clutch swings to snatch the frame, then never looked back. Even a couple of injury scares, Belen’s brief fall, and Austero’s late-game leg injury couldn’t derail their momentum.

Capital1 star Chel Austero wounds her shin during the game.
Capital1 star Chel Austero wounds her shin during the game. Photo: PVL Images.

For Choco Mucho, it was a tough night. Marlee Smith led the Flying Titans with 12 points, while Maddie Madayag and Isa Molde added 11 and 10, but the team struggled to break through Capital1’s improving defense.

With back-to-back sweeps against two powerhouse teams, Capital1 just announced themselves as serious contenders. The Solar Spikers are no longer just learning — they’re out here glowing, growing, and proving they can shine against anyone.