MARINA Tushova catapulted herself atop the PVL’s single-game scoring record list with 45 points to will Capital1 right through Choco Mucho in a monumental 13-25, 25-21, 18-25, 25-20, 15-13 upset in Pool B of the 2024 Reinforced Conference on Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
Tushova’s record-breaking 45 was built on the league’s highest single-game attacking output of 43 attacks, on top of a block and an ace for just the Solar Spikers' third-ever franchise win.
With the statement win, Capital1 improved to 2-2 four games into pool play, while sending Choco Mucho down to fifth at 1-3.
Shining on both ends
As if setting the league’s scoring and attacking records weren’t enough, Tushova capped a historic night with a triple-double which included a defensive masterclass of 18 receptions and 12 digs.
“All game, I felt like I’m not doing anything. That’s why I’m like: ‘let’s do more, let’s do more.’ So about this 45 points, it’s good for sure but it's not like I’m already on top of my career or I’m better than someone else. It’s just one game and today it was like this,” Tushova said.
“For now, I don’t feel it yet. I just wanted to finish the game and when the game was finished, I didn't know how to react. I needed to calm down first and maybe after, for sure, it will be in my career," she added.
“I’m proud of myself, I’m proud really. But for now, I don’t feel it at all.”
Come the end of the fourth set as the Solar Spikers drew level to force sudden death, Tushova already had 40 points and eclipsed the 2024 season’s yardstick set by Akari’s Oly Okaro this conference.
And as Capital1 reached match point at 14-13, the Russian ace was still one point shy of breaking the record.
Through head coach Roger Gorayeb’s instruction, the final ball was set up for Tushova to put away.
And so she did.
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