IT was back in January when Capital1 entered the fray - albeit hastily - in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) as its 12th team.
Under the leadership of sportsman Mikee Romero's daughters Mandy and Milka, the Solar Spikers went into battle on short notice just weeks since holding open tryouts for its inaugural roster and naming champion mentor Roger Gorayeb as head coach.
READ: Abil's victorious PVL return gives hope to those who are left out
Even with just one win in their first act in the league, the promise of a bright future was clear — more so when taking into account the sheer lack of preseason preparation and hectic circumstances leading to the team’s formation.
Then came the first-ever PVL Draft, which gave the Solar Spikers three star selections in No. 2 overall pick Leila Cruz, ex-Ateneo captain Roma Doromal, and La Salle reserve Jenya Torres on top of securing the services of 25-year-old Russian spiker Marina Tushova as import and returning Iris Tolenada as setter.
A debut win wasn’t meant to be, however, for Capital1 in their opening salvo in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference against a new-look Akari side.
Still, the Gorayeb-led side came out swinging by taking a set from the Chargers after just falling short in an extended second frame - proving they're well on their way to shedding their underdog tag for good.
“Yung team na 'to kasi, is less than six months pa lang. Five months pa lang kami ha, baka kasi nakakalimot 'yung iba. But we move like an old team,” Gorayeb said.
“Maraming nawalang player, pinalitan. I have to make do with whatever talent that I have do'n sa team.
If their debut campaign saw 10 teams pick up triumphs over them, Gorayeb sees a future in which Capital1 will be a more fearsome opponent than they ever were at any point last conference.
And as a veteran mentor who’s been through it all, he intends to pull more than a few tricks up his sleeve and keep Capital1’s steady, upward trajectory in the same direction the rest of the way.
“Maayos na sila, 'di na katulad nung dati. Nakikita niyo naman, nandito kayo noon. 'Di na kami 'yung (bubugbugin) talaga. Para sa'min, nakakatakot na siguro rin kaming kalaban na they cannot think less of us. Iba na kumilos eh," he said.
Final piece of the Capital1 puzzle
Much-needed young pieces with a fine touch of experience have connived for Capital1, as well.
And for Gorayeb, honing his young guns into vocal leaders is imperative for the Solar Spikers to rise to playoff team status sooner than later.
“Aangat na kami. Umangat na nga kaunti, 'di ba. Malaking tulong 'yang mga batang 'yan. All they need to do is to develop their confidence kasi 'di mo maiiwasan, mahiyain, 'di masyado nagsasalita, 'yun pa naman ayaw ko. Gusto ko maingay sa loob. Gusto ko active sa loob," he said.
And the future of the team, as early as now and even years on, couldn’t be brighter.
“Six months? Paano na kaya 'pag nag-one year kami. Ano na kaya itsura namin? Maganda, kaya something to look forward to," said the Capital1 shot-caller.
“Still, we need to be more intelligent when we play and not overuse our emotions, kasi 'pag nanggigil ka, iba na takbo ng isip mo. Composure lagi, gano'n. Eh hindi naman nakukuha 'yon sa kwentuhan. Experience lang lagi. Dito, kailangan mo talaga tibay ng loob. Tibay ng dibdib.”
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