Akari overcame an opening set collapse to secure a much-needed victory over Chery Tiggo, 22-25, 26-24, 25-18, 25-20, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.
The Chargers snapped a three-game losing streak, improving their record to 3-3 as they head into the league’s one-month holiday break.
“I just appreciate the players because they were getting down after losing the past three games in straight sets. They were really eager to win this game, and that’s a good thing,” said Akari head coach Taka Minowa after the grueling two-hour and 21-minute match.
(C) PVL Images
Chery Tiggo mounted an impressive comeback in the opening frame, rallying from a 13-20 deficit. Jasmine Nabor, Mary Rhose Dapol, Pauline Gaston, and Cess Robles led the charge to claim the set, 25-22.
The Crossovers attempted another comeback in the fourth set, erasing a 10-16 deficit to tie the game at 17-all behind Ara Galang’s heroics.
However, Akari’s key players – Grethcel Soltones, Ivy Lacsina, Eli Soyud, Fifi Sharma, and Cams Victoria – rose to the challenge. Together, they closed out the match and reclaimed a spot in the win column.
Soltones spearheaded Akari with a stellar all-around performance, delivering 22 points, nine digs, and seven receptions.
Sharma had her best outing of the season, contributing 16 points, including six blocks, which matched Chery Tiggo’s team total in that department.
“Ang mindset ko lang ay alam ko yung role ko na kailangan ko lang mag-receive at mag-depensa. Sa points naman, hindi ko na siya iniisip. Every time na may dadating na bola, ginagawan ko lang ng paraan,” said Soltones.
Lacsina also stepped up with 15 points, while setter Kamille Cal orchestrated the offense with 15 excellent sets and six points, five of which came from blocks.
(C) PVL Images
Robles and Galang led Chery Tiggo with 14 points apiece, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Crossovers from sliding to a 3-2 record.
Akari will return to action on January 18, 2025, against PLDT, while Chery Tiggo will close out the year on Saturday against Galeries Tower.
