Capital1’s investment in Sasha Bytsenko finally paid off in full, as the explosive import reset the PVL Reinforced Conference scoring mark with a 39-point masterpiece to power the Solar Spikers past the Nxled Chameleons, 25-20, 23-25, 27-25, 25-12, Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Solar Spikers reaped the dividends of their bold recruitment move, as Bytsenko’s fiery performance not only eclipsed the previous 38-point record set by Farm Fresh’s Eli Rousseaux but also secured Capital1 a crucial bounce-back win in Pool A for a 1-1 card.

Though the fourth set looked like a walk in the park, it was far from effortless. The Solar Spikers had to pour in everything to finally break down the Chameleons, who lost their poise and rhythm under relentless pressure, especially from the blistering mid-set scoring spree anchored by Bytsenko.

The Ukrainian hitter, who also finished with 17 excellent receptions, dropped six points in a crucial stretch that turned a tight 10-6 contest into a commanding 19-8 Solar Spikers lead. Her sharp-angled crosscourt kills and timely blocks set the tone as the Chameleons unraveled late in the match.

Top rookie pick Bella Belen provided steady support with her efficient attacking and floor defense, helping Capital1 cruise to a smoother finish after surviving a tense, momentum-swinging first three sets.

Nxled import Paola Martinez matched Bytsenko shot-for-shot early on but struggled to keep pace in the fourth. Her attacks faltered – either falling short or getting stuffed by Capital1’s now well-formed net defense.

In a desperate bid to reverse the tide, Nxled coach Ettore Guidetti opted for an all-Filipino lineup, but the gamble failed. The Solar Spikers continued to surge, turning the set into a rout and sealing the match in two hours and one minute.

So dominant was Capital1’s finish that they outhit Nxled, 59-46, and doubled their block total, 10-5, showcasing the kind of cohesion and killer instinct that was absent in their previous straight-sets loss to PLDT.

“We played like a team – with energy,” said Bytsenko, who was named Best Player of the Game. Still finding her footing with media duties, she was uncertain with her words, but her on-court actions spoke volumes.

“I feel the energy. After Set 2, I could see it in my teammates’ eyes. So I felt – we would win this game,” she added, pointing to their trust and belief in each other as the turning point.

Belen, a former three-time UAAP MVP, also marked a personal milestone, celebrating her first professional victory with a solid all-around performance – scoring 15 points and tallying 14 excellent digs to cap off a breakout game.

Iris Tolenada orchestrated Capital1’s offense with poise and precision, finishing with 26 excellent sets in a commanding playmaking display that kept the Solar Spikers’ offense humming.

Martinez led the Chameleons with 20 points, while Chiara Permentilla chipped in 18. However, the duo’s efforts weren’t enough to overcome the team’s struggles with consistency, particularly on offense and floor defense.

The Chameleons faltered under pressure in key stretches, dropping to 0-2 in the standings after another four-set loss to the Farm Fresh Foxies last week.