Sydney Niegos admits heartbreak after being cut by Capital1, shines in PVL comeback

The Capital1 Solar Spikers continued their climb up the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference standings with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Farm Fresh Foxies at the FilOil Center on Thursday, February 26. The match, which ended 26-24, 20-25, 28-26, 20-25, 15-11, showcased a blend of star power, resilience, and the emergence of a surprise hero in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

While UAAP standout and team centerpiece Bella Belen once again dominated the scoreboard, tallying 23 points in her sixth consecutive 20-plus performance, the win was a team effort, with several key contributors stepping up at critical moments.

Outside of Belen, the Solar Spikers saw impressive contributions from Shaya Adorador, who recorded 14 points, and both Pauline Gaston and Cherry Nunag, who added eight points apiece. However, the most remarkable story of the night came from Sydney Niegos, who erupted for a career-high 20 points, including clutch plays during the deciding fifth set.

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Niegos’ performance carried added weight, given her journey over the offseason. After the team decided not to renew her contract, she spent weeks grappling with disappointment and a sense of uncertainty about her volleyball career. At one point, she even began a new role outside of sports, enrolling as an enforcer with the Land Transportation Office, before receiving a second chance from head coach Jorge Souza De Brito.

“When I got removed from the team, I was really down. For a whole month, I didn’t even look at volleyball or step on the court. I didn’t play at all. I got accepted to be an enforcer at the Land Transportation Office. I was already in the seminar when I got a call from Jorge Souza De Brito,” Niegos said during the post-match press conference.

The former Jose Rizal University standout did not hesitate to return. “It’s different when the coach calls you; it means he believes in you. I didn’t want to waste the opportunity. You know how it is in volleyball — only a few make it to the pros. So I grabbed it.”

Sydney Niegos expressed her gratitude after returning to the Capital1 Solar Spikers, saying her comeback felt like an answered prayer as she delivered a career-high 20 points against the Farm Fresh Foxies in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference. #PVL2026 #TheHeartofVolleyball pic.twitter.com/kG9HESzMQf

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) February 26, 2026

Niegos’ redemption arc was on full display as she helped Capital1 overcome Farm Fresh, a team the Solar Spikers had never beaten in their two-year history. “I just want to prove to the coach that bringing me back wasn’t a mistake. I want to help Bella and contribute to the team. I just want to give my all so we can win, especially against Farm Fresh. We have been together for two years and had never beaten them until now, so I’m really proud that we finally did,” she said.

Coach De Brito echoed his confidence in Niegos’ ability to continue producing on the court. “I’m really confident that she can deliver more than this and be more consistent. But for now, I’m happy because she trusts the process and also trusts her teammate,” he said.

This victory sees Capital1 improve to a 3-3 record, moving up to sixth place in the All-Filipino Conference standings. While their record is balanced at the midpoint of the tournament, the team is beginning to hit its stride, blending Belen’s scoring dominance with Niegos’ renewed energy and the supporting cast’s timely contributions.

The win also underscores Capital1’s ability to perform under pressure. Each set was fiercely contested, with multiple points decided by razor-thin margins. The Solar Spikers’ resilience, particularly in the decisive fifth set, demonstrates their capacity to withstand adversity and execute in high-stakes situations — a quality that could prove crucial as the conference progresses.

Looking ahead, Capital1 aims to maintain their momentum as they prepare to face the Akari Chargers on Saturday, March 7, again at the FilOil Center. The Chargers, who have been formidable opponents in the league, will test the Solar Spikers’ ability to translate their hard-earned confidence into consistent results.

If the Solar Spikers can build on the cohesion displayed against Farm Fresh, particularly with Belen and Niegos firing on all cylinders, they have the potential to climb further in the standings and become serious contenders in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.

With a mix of talent, determination, and players hungry to prove themselves, the Capital1 Solar Spikers are a team on the rise — one whose narrative extends beyond scores and stats, encompassing redemption, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of victory.

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