Capital1 Solar Spikers have proven to be a tough competitor in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Jorelle Singh and Rica Rivera relished their chance to live their dream as professional volleyball players as they contributed to the rise of the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the PVL.

Capital1 may have started its 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference off on the wrong foot but the Solar Spikers showed their vast improvement even without the scoring prowess of Russian spiker Marina Tushova, who led them to a breakthrough quarterfinal appearance in the Reinforced tournament last August.

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Rivera, a libero from University of Santo Tomas, is grateful to get her chance to play at the pros after making it to the roster of the team owned by 1Pacman Partylist first nominee Milka Romero and her sister Mandy for the third straight conference.

READ: 1-Pacman nominee Milka Romero, sister Mandy nurturing rise of Capital1

“I’m really grateful and thankful to be one of the players given another chance to play, especially for those who had almost lost hope because they no longer had a team. Then, Capital1 came and gave us the opportunity to prove that we’re still capable of competing,” Rivera shared with Inquirer Sports.

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“This is Capital1’s first year in the PVL, and as much as possible, I want to contribute to this team to help it grow further. In terms of commitment, I’m doing my best to be in my best shape to contribute effectively to the team.”

Rivera joined hands with rookie libero Roma Mae Doromal in digging the massive hits of her former UST teammate Sisi Rondina, forcing a fourth set with a narrow 28-26 win in the third only to lose steam in the next frame and fall to their second defeat.

READ: PVL: Resurgent Iris Tolenada hopes to inspire younger generation

Despite the 0-2 start, Singh, who had 12 points against Choco Mucho, said her team remains eager to surpass their impressive Reinforced Conference now that they are collectively working to continue what Tushova started.

“We want to improve on our performance from the last conference. Of course, everyone wants to make it to the finals, but we’ll take it step by step,” Singh said. “In volleyball, it’s not just about skills. As a team, you need to have unity. Even if all the players are strong or superstars, if they don’t blend well, they won’t win. For me, that’s the most important thing.”

Singh missed the pro action in the 2022 and 2023 seasons after playing for PLDT, the former team of her longtime coach Roger Gorayeb, in the PVL bubble in Ilocos Norte three years ago.

Capital1 Solar Spikers’ Jorelle Singh during a PVL All-Filipino Conference game. –PVL PHOTO

Through Capital1 and Gorayeb, the veteran outside spiker got her second chance. That’s why she’s offering this season to her coach since college at National University.

“It feels amazing to still have Coach Roger by my side. I’m dedicating this season to him because his trust in me has been incredible. I thought I was done playing, but he still took me in. I want to prove to him that I’m worth the chance he gave me,” Singh said.

READ: PVL: Gorayeb hopes Capital1 rides last conference’s breakthrough

“I’m also extremely grateful to Capital1 for forming this team and giving us a chance. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to return to playing.”

Singh and Rivera said they just have to continue to work together to avert a 0-2 start and capitalize on the momentum given to them by Tushova last conference.

“Marina gave us sunshine and a brighter future. She set the standard for the team by being a leader. She was the role model for us to follow, showing us how to step up and fill in for her absence. Of course, teamwork and hard work are essential to fill the gap she left,” said Rivera, who is also managing four branches of a resto-bar called Four Monkeys Pub around the University Belt.

“The family we’ve built in this team, the unity and sisterhood, is already here. Our concern and care for each other has become really deep.”

Capital1 hopes to end its slump against the 2-0 PLDT on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.