Belen erupts for 29 as Capital1 outlasts Choco Mucho; Creamline downs ZUS for 2nd win


Capital1 survived a back-and-forth battle with the Flying Titans, 25–21, 18–25, 25–18, 19–25, 15–10, to notch its second win in four outings.

Belen, who matched her UAAP career-high, delivered her fourth straight 20-point effort of the conference and added 15 excellent digs in a steady all-around display.

The Solar Spikers seized control early but needed late composure in the deciding set after Choco Mucho forced a fifth frame behind the efforts of Sisi Rondina and Kat Tolentino.

After sitting out most of the fourth set due to cramps, Belen returned in the decider and ignited a key run that gave Capital1 separation in the closing stretch.

Sydney Niegos and France Ronquillo provided timely support, while Choco Mucho errors down the stretch helped secure the breakthrough.

Rondina paced the Flying Titans with 22 points, Tolentino chipped in 19, and Des Cheng added 15 markers in the loss as Choco Mucho dropped to 1–3.



The Solar Spikers are set to face the Cool Smashers, Feb. 21, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.


CCS’ second-straight win


In the nightcap, Creamline regrouped after conceding the opening set and turned back ZUS Coffee, 22–25, 25–17, 25–16, 25–18, for its second straight victory.

The Cool Smashers tightened their floor defense and sharpened their transition play behind setter Jia de Guzman, who tallied 25 excellent sets and 10 points.

Creamline pulled away in the fourth set with a decisive 14–4 surge that doused ZUS Coffee’s upset hopes.

Bernadeth Pons led Creamline with 19 points and 16 excellent digs, while Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza added 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Chinnie Arroyo scored 18 points to lead ZUS Coffee in defeat.

ZUS aims to secure their second victory on Feb. 21 against the Farm Fresh Foxies at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.