Akari mounted a massive rally late in the third to close out Capital1 in straight sets, 25-23, 25-18, 25-23, in the 2025 PVL On Tour, Tuesday night at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Chargers overcame a nine-point deficit in the third frame to stun the Solar Spikers, closing out the pool play of the Sports Vision-organized tournament with a 2-3 win-loss record.
After taking the first two sets, Akari found themselves in a deep hole in the third, as Capital1 — powered by Sydney Niegos, Rachel Austero, and Rovie Instrella — raced to a commanding 21-12 lead, threatening to extend the match.
However, after a few timely reminders from their coaching staff, the Chargers snapped out of their funk. They unleashed a blistering 13-2 finishing kick — capped by a collective effort — that closed out the match in just an hour and 29 minutes.
(C) PVL Images
“May mga times na kailangan lang talaga sila i-remind, for which lahat naman tayo skilled but ‘yung mentality, ‘yung attitude towards the game medyo nagbabago [kapag] behind na kami ng mga six points,” said Akari head coach Tina Salak.
“Thankfully, nagre-respond sila doon sa sistema and also doon sa encouragement also ng mga ibang coaching staff, hindi lang naman ako. Unti-unti, nasa learning process ‘yun lahat,” she added.
Eli Soyud, the league’s reigning Most Improved Player, delivered a game-high 12 points. Meanwhile, Ezra Madrigal chipped in 11 markers built on eight attacks and three kill blocks to help power an injury-riddled Chargers squad to the victory.
Grethcel Soltones contributed nine points and 15 excellent digs, while Ivy Lacsina also had an all-around performance of eight markers and 11 excellent receptions.
Kamille Cal dictated the balanced offense with 22 excellent sets to go along with five points. Dani Ravena and Max Juangco tallied 11 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions, respectively, for Akari.
(C) PVL Images
On the other hand, the Solar Spikers’ woes continued to pile up after suffering their fifth consecutive loss to end the pool phase winless.
Niegos finished with 11 points on nine attacks and two kill blocks, while Austero scattered five attacks, four kill blocks, and two aces for 11 points as well. Instrella pitched in 10 markers in the loss.
