Heather Guino-o has been thriving under coach Roger Gorayeb and the Capital1 Solar Spikers, as she hopes to repay the trust and confidence given to her in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Heather Guino-o has been shining for the Capital1 Solar Spikers to start the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Despite their slow start, Guino-o’s effort finally bore fruit as she helped the Solar Spikers snatch their first win in the conference against the Nxled Chameleons in four sets, 21-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-18, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Saturday, November 30.
The former Far Eastern University standout produced 21 points on 19 attacks and two blocks to go along with seven excellent digs and six excellent receptions.
Guino-o joined Capital1 earlier this year as a free agent. She had bounced around the league in the past few years but has found a home with the Solar Spikers.
Now given the opportunity to perform under coach Roger Gorayeb, the 27-year-old outside spiker did not want to waste her chances.
“Syempre po ayoko lang po ulit sayangin ‘yung chance na binibigay ni coach [Roger] and ng team. Na-inspire rin po ako sa mga teammates ko kasi nakikita ko kung gaano rin sila nag-improve and naging matapang,” Guino-o said during the post-game press conference.
Gorayeb, meanwhile, commended Guino-o for the effort she’s been displaying in the conference.
In their second match against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, Guino-o even had a triple-double outing with 11 points, 10 excellent digs, and 15 excellent receptions.
“Lagi ko siyang sinasabihan, ‘Heather ito na uli ‘yung chance mo, ‘wag mo nang sayangin’ kapag nilagay kita doon sa loob, bakbakan mo na,” said Gorayeb. “‘Wag ka na magdalawang isip pa kung kaya mo o hindi, ‘yung confidence kasi lagi importante.”
“Kapag ka takot ka, lahat ng gagawin mo alanganin, hindi talaga aggressive. Iniisip mo baka magkamali ka, eh binibigyan ko siya [ng chance],” he added.
Aside from Guino-o, Leila Cruz also had a solid outing for the Solar Spikers with 17 points, while Patty Orendain added 10 in the win.
Capital1 looks to continue its winning ways in Cebu as it faces the Galeries Tower Highrisers on December 7.
Chiara Permentilla was the lone double-digit scorer for the Chameleons with 23 points.
Nxled will also head to Cebu, hoping to finally secure their first conference win against the 3-0 Cignal HD Spikers.