Akari completed its sweep of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference preliminary round with a decisive 3-0 victory over Farm Fresh, 25-19, 25-22, 25-19, on Tuesday evening at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Chargers secured the top seed with a perfect 8-0 record, becoming only the third team in the league’s professional era to achieve a sweep of the preliminary round, alongside Creamline (2022 Open, 2023 Invitational, 2023 2nd AFC) and Cignal (2022 Open).
This marks Akari’s first-ever appearance in the playoffs after six conferences in the league.
“In the game, we just showed the potential of what we have. We did prepare well against Farm Fresh this week,” said Chargers head coach Taka Minowa.
American reinforcement Oly Okaro led the way for Farm Fresh with 18 points, including 16 attacks, two blocks, and nine digs.
(C) PVL Images
Grethcel Soltones added 15 points, while Ivy Lacsina contributed 14 points in the one-hour and 34-minute match.
“Sabi ko sa kanila, huwag maging complacent hanggang wala kaming nahahawakan na dapat hawakan. Nireremind ko lang yung teammates ko every day na we have to strive every training and do everything every training,” said Soltones on the mindset moving forward.
Michelle Cobb also played a crucial role for the Chargers, delivering 16 excellent sets and contributing six points, including two aces.
With the loss, the Foxies finished the preliminary round at 3-5, placing eighth.
(C) PVL Images
This leaves a chance for Choco Mucho to advance to the playoffs. If the Flying Titans win against PLDT on Thursday, they will secure a spot in the quarterfinals; otherwise, Farm Fresh will advance.
Yeny Murillo led the Foxies with 14 points, while Caitlin Viray added 10 points.
