Akari spoiled the highly anticipated debut of top overall pick Thea Gagate and the return of Jovelyn Gonzaga, defeating ZUS Coffee in four sets, 25-14, 25-21, 19-25, 25-23, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Ivy Lacsina spearheaded the charge for the Chargers, who were coming off an opening-day victory over Galeries Tower, securing their second straight win for a strong 2-0 start to the season.
“Syempre, yung ZUS Coffee po talaga parang ang hirap po nila kalaban pag sa depensahan talaga. Pero, siguro po, doon po pumasok yung team work po naman and yung puso po namin sa laro kanina,” said Lacsina, who tallied 16 points in their previous win over the Highrisers last Saturday.
(C) PVL Images
ZUS Coffee threatened to force a deciding set after taking a 16-13 lead late in the fourth, but the Chargers responded with a blistering 9-3 run, capped off by a down-the-line attack from Grethcel Soltones to restore order.
The Thunderbelles made a last-ditch effort to extend the match, with Gagate scoring back-to-back quick attacks, followed by a Chai Troncoso ace that tied the scores at 23-all.
However, Faith Nisperos and Lacsina provided the finishing touches to seal the win after nearly two hours of action.
“Actually, we’re doing good in the fourth set, and then little by little, we’re showing quite bad attitude. It’s kind of relaxed already. Also, just because we already adjusted our serving, that’s why we were able to make a lot of passes,” said Chargers head coach Taka Minowa.
The former National University standout, Lacsina, finished with a game-high 24 points on 22 attacks, an ace, and a block to lead Akari.
Eli Soyud, who dropped 21 points in their previous win, continued her strong play with 15 points, 14 of which came from attacks, while Grethcel Soltones recorded a triple-double with 10 points, 11 excellent digs, and 11 excellent receptions.
Ced Domingo, who suffered a knee injury during the Reinforced Conference semifinals, missed her second consecutive game for the Chargers.
Akari will look to sustain its momentum in a rematch of the Reinforced Conference final against Creamline on November 23 in Candon, Ilocos Sur.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, the much-anticipated debut of Gagate and Gonzaga for ZUS Coffee ended on a somber note, as the team fell to 0-1 to start the tournament.
Gagate lived up to expectations, leading her team with 13 points on 11 attacks, a block, and an ace. Michelle Gamit and Kate Santiago, who made her debut for ZUS Coffee, both had 12 points each.
Gonzaga, coming off the bench, finished her debut with an all-around performance, contributing eight points and 11 excellent digs.
ZUS Coffee will look to earn its first win when they face Nxled on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
