MANILA, Philippines — Milka Romero, 1-Pacman first nominee, and her sister Mandy are relishing the experience of building and developing the Capital1 Solar Spikers, who showed a sudden rise just 10 months into the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

Led by Marina Tushova’s generational talent, the Solar Spikers rose from the ashes in the PVL Reinforced Conference — following a one-win debut in the All-Filipino — and pulled off the biggest surprise with a breakthrough quarterfinal entry last August.

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The daughters of sportsman and congressman Mikee Romero are proud of the team’s growth–from only having three weeks to form the team to being a legitimate contender–as the Solar Spikers displayed   “never-say-die” attitude in every game.

READ: 1Pacman first nominee Milka Romero advocates for women in sports

“We couldn’t ask for more from our team and our performance. Wala pang one year, mas lalong lumalakas ang team, mas lalong tumaas yung confidence natin sa PVL May fighting spirit talaga yung team. Of course, it’s still an uphill battle, pero nakikita natin yung potential para mag-shine ang Capital1,” said Milka, who will continue to advocate for Philippine sports as she eyes a seat in the Congress in next year’s midterm elections.

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Mandy, a former Philippine muay tai team member, is thrilled to see her players thrive as underdogs behind the leadership of setter Iris Tolenada and team captain Jorelle Singh and the solid contributions from rookies Leila Cruz and Roma Mae Doromal and middle blocker Des Clemente.

The Capital1 Solar Energy president also credited seasoned coach Roger Gorayeb for bring out the best in their young team.

READ: PVL: Experience as athletes helping Romero sisters run Capital1 

“It’s a rollercoaster for us. We entered the Reinforced Conference with a new energy, new spirit because of our new additions from the rookie draft, new additions to the team, and especially Marina Tushova our import so really, we’re proud to have seen our young rookie team already start building the never say die and fighting spirit that’s been a part of our legacy as a family,” Mandy, the younger Romero, said.

“Whether that’s in basketball, volleyball, boxing and other sports. Yung never say die talaga yung parang signature mentality that we’re trying to push for.”

“So itong third conference naman, we’re trying to keep the momentum going. We hope that our fans that we’ve built throughout these two seasons will support us on this journey as well as they continue to root for the underdog in Capital1 Solar Spikers.”

Although they got front row seats to the success of their father’s basketball team in the defunct Philippine Basketball League (PBL) before joining the PBA with the Northport Batang Pier, the Romero sisters admitted that it has not been easy managing a pro volleyball club.

READ: Capital1 says it’s in the PVL for the long run

“Capital1 was built in three weeks and it was sort of a big journey for us to get to this point now in our 10th month. So building a team with synergy especially for people who’ve just met for the first time or coming together and we’re going against very well established teams, who have been together for years. So it’s been a big difference for a rookie team to have veteran coach and some veteran players as well,” Mandy said.

Milka, the Capital1 director, also admitted that it has not been easy recruiting players, but through the PVL Draft, they are hopeful that the Solar Spikers will continue to improve.

“We’re very thankful na malaki ang fan base and the sustainability of the league is there. Pero the players, it’s still hard to find. We’re in the middle of the new conference and the trouble is finding new or spotting new players that are within the PVL team for this new conference. So those are some of the challenges,” she said.

Building a legacy

Milka Romero and Mandy Romero, owners of Capital1 Solar Spikers in the PVL. –ARNEL TACSON/INQUIRER.net

With the Solar Spikers eager to continue what Tushova shad started, the Capital1 owners motivate their players to continue proving themselves and step out of Tushova’s shadows in the six-month All-Filipino Conference.

“We’ve also been reminding that this is a new chapter for, not just Capital1, but for them as well. Lahat ng hindi niyo nagawa sa UAAP or during your time in NCAA or in other teams as well, leave all of that behind because here is your chance to redefine who you are,” Mandy said.

“They’re here for a reason, that we value their importance to our team and that we really let them know that we’re trying to create a legacy and a family here in Capital1 Solar Spikers.”

Capital1 is taking every step of the way, hoping to become a champion PVL team someday and support other sports, too.

“Talagang lahat naman gusto manalo, and lahat yan yung dream natin. We know it’s a difficult objective, but it’s a long-term game.  And not just for volleyball, but we also want to hopefully have Capital1 for other types of sports,” said said Milka.

“we were also active with basketball, with Harbour Center, and Globalport. And we are now here in the PVL as Capital One Solar Spikers. And hopefully, in the many years to come, we are able to make our mark not just as a franchise, but also as a lawmaker for our country.”