MANILA, Philippines — Marina Tushova got candid about her views on Philippine volleyball as she enjoys her first stint in the country with Capital1 in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.

Tushova unleashed an all-around game of 24 points, 10 digs, and nine excellent receptions as Capital1 shocked two-time defending champion Petro Gazz, 26-24, 25-20, 25-18, on Tuesday night at Philsports Arena.

The Russian spiker admitted the level of play in the Philippines is not as high as the other countries she has played in including her home country, France, and Switzerland, but she had all good things to say about the Filipinos’ passion for the sport. 

“Sorry if it’s going to be rude so it’s not that high quality like sets, passing. But Filipino always wants the best of everything and you enjoy the game and you have a big desire,” said Tushova. “You’ll never know how a team plays against you like today you know no one [thought] that we’re going play like this but we were starving our win and we did it.”

SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference

The 25-year-old import credited the franchise’s biggest win in the PVL yet to the hunger of the Solar Spikers, who improved to a 1-1 record in Pool B, to change their fortunes.

“I didn’t hope too much before the game so I like it more calmly but the Filipino people are always so happy and enjoying sharing these emotions so I was like [thankful]  but I just need to be focused today,” Tushova said.

“We were just starving in the game [to get] the win. We didn’t think about what we’re gonna get win or lose. We want to play, we want to fight and we showed it. Thank you so much to my team.”

READ: PVL: Capital1 shows promise, ‘strong’ defense despite loss

Capital1 coach Roger Gorayeb is grateful to have Tushova on their side and he is hoping his local players learn a lot from the import for their future conferences. 

“Happy ako dito sa grupo ng mga players na ‘to. Marina after this conference will be leaving but she will be leaving us a good example for the All-Filipino Conference. These players will learn many things from Marina and I hope they learn it and put it in their hearts. Lalakas pa kami,” said Gorayeb.

Capital1 seeks to carry its huge momentum against Cignal on Saturday.