Marina Tusova leads the Capital 1 Solar Spikers in a PVL Reinforced Conference match against the Petro Gaz Angels. – MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Marina Tushoba spoke candidly about her opinions on Philippine volleyball as she enjoys her first Philippine outing in the Capital 1 of the 2024 PVL Reinforcement Conference.
Tusova delivered an all-around game with 24 points, 10 digs and nine impressive receptions to shock two-time defending champion Petro Gaz, 26-24, 25-20, 25-18, in a Capital 1 match at PhilSports Arena on Tuesday night.
The Russian spiker acknowledged that the level of play in the Philippines is not as high as in other countries he has played in, such as his home country, France and Switzerland, but he had good things to say about Filipinos’ passion for the sport.
“It may sound rude to say it, but it’s not quality like sets and passes, but Filipinos always want the best in everything, they enjoy the game and they have big ambitions,” Tushoba said. “Like today, you never know how the other team is going to play. [thought] We knew we were going to play like this, we were hungry to win and that’s what we did.”
Schedule: 2024 PVL Reinforcement Conference
The 25-year-old import attributed the biggest win in franchise history in the PVL to his eagerness to change the fortunes of the Solar Spikers, who have improved to 1-1 in Pool B.
“Before the match, I didn’t have high expectations, so I just wanted to watch the match calmly, but the Filipino people are always so happy and enjoy sharing these emotions, so [thankful] “But today we just need to stay focused,” Tusova said.
“I was hungry during the game. [to get] “We won. We didn’t think about what we could get out of winning or losing. We want to play, we want to fight, and we showed that. Thanks a lot to the team.”
Read: PVL: Capitals 1 show promising, ‘strong’ defense despite loss
Capital 1 coach Roger Gorayev is grateful to have Tusova join the team and hopes that the local players can learn a lot from the foreign player for future conferences.
“The players are also happy to be part of this group. Marina will be leaving the team after this conference but she will leave a good example in the All-Filipino Conference. I hope the players will learn a lot from Marina and take it to heart. I wish everyone the best,” Gorayeb said.
Capital1 will be looking to keep their huge momentum going on Saturday against Cignal.
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