Capital1 import Marina Tushova. Photo from PVL Media Bureau

MANILA – Capital1 import Marina Tushova gave quite the honest take when asked about the quality of Philippine volleyball.

At the conclusion of the Solar Spikers' massive 26-24, 25-20, 25-18 upset against 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference defending champion Petro Gazz, Tushova, who just played her second game in the country, said the quality of the sport is "not that high," specifically on the sets and passing.

READ: Biggest upset so far? Capital1 topples defending champ Petro Gazz

"Sorry if it's gonna be rude, [but] it's not that high quality, like sets, passing," Tushova said.

However, the Russian volleyball standout praised the passion of Filipinos for the sport.

"But Filipinos always want the best of everything. You enjoy the game and you have a big desire," she added.

Tushova also insisted that everything is possible in the league — just like what they did as the Solar Spikers notched the franchise's biggest win yet against the powerhouse of Reinforced Conferences.

"You’ll never know how a team [will] play against you, like today. You know, no one [thought] that we’re gonna play like this but we were starving our win and we did it."

Tushova led the Capital1 offense that match and locked 24 points anchored on 23 attacks and an ace as the only Solar Spiker in twin-digit scoring.

READ: PVL: In first game as Charger, Ivy Lacsina leads Akari past Capital1

Looking past this import-laden tourney, coach Roger Gorayeb is hopeful that the locals could learn from Tushova.

"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.

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