Oly Okaro came up big as Akari scored a stunning reverse sweep of Choco Mucho, 18-25, 16-25, 25-21, 25-23, 15-13, for its second consecutive victory in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference, Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.
Okaro exploded for a tied season-high 38 points – the fifth-best scoring output for an import in PVL history.
And the Chargers needed it, as they put up a massive comeback to secure the win en route to a franchise-best 2-0 start in Pool B.
Akari’s big win also snapped a three-game losing streak against the Flying Titans. The last time the Chargers defeated the Rebisco-backed squad was back in the 2022 Reinforced Conference.
At the time, Dominican import Priscilla Rivera set a league scoring record by putting up 44 points in a five-set victory.
“Definitely, very excited. Very proud of how I performed. I know there’s also things that I didn’t do very well and that’s something I’m gonna work on more,” said the 6-foot-1 American opposite spiker.
With Choco Mucho just a point behind, Okaro fired a searing cross-court attack. Ivy Lacsina then followed it up with an off-the-block hit to push the Chargers at match point, 14-11.
The Flying Titans, however, did not go down easily.
Dindin Santiago-Manabat – who went up against her former team for the first time – hammered down back-to-back attacks to slice the lead anew to just a solitary point.
(C) PVL Images
Okaro, though, had other things in mind. She delivered the game-clinching kill that ended the game after two hours and 24 minutes of jam-packed action.
“I just came ready to fight. I knew that there’s no way I’m leaving without fighting, as well as the rest of the team. We all have that same idea in mind,” she added.
Grethcel Soltones contributed 12 points to go along with 13 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs. Meanwhile, Lacsina came up with 10 points and 12 excellent receptions.
Kamille Cal, who came off the bench and started all but the opening frame, tossed 22 excellent sets in the victory.
Akari will look to sustain its momentum against defending champion Petro Gazz on Saturday, 3:00 PM.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, the Flying Titans suffered their second consecutive loss to start the tournament – marking their worst start in team history.
Santiago-Manabat led the team with 16 points to lead Choco Mucho.
Royse Tubino chipped in 14 markers, while Zoi Faki had an all-around performance of 14 points, 14 excellent digs, and 12 excellent receptions.
Choco Mucho will try to bounce back against ZUS Coffee also on Saturday at 5:00 PM.
