Grethcel Soltones and Oly Okaro joined forces in the clutch as Akari turned back Galeries Tower in five sets, 23-25, 25-15, 25-16, 22-25, 18-16, in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference, Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
Soltones kept the quarterfinals-bound Chargers alive in the fifth set, saving four match points. Then Okaro provided the finishing touches to help their side remain unbeaten with a 6-0 record in Pool D.
“Yung pagod namin bawat isa. Nung mga nakaraang days kasi, parang sinubok din talaga kami ng panahon kasi we’re not feeling well. We’re off for two days, especially the first six, and after that one day lang kami nakapag-prepare,” said Soltones after the hard-fought win.
Galeries reached match point after a crucial service error from Ivy Lacsina, but Soltones answered back with an emphatic cross-court hit and a down-the-line attack to lock the scores at 14-all.
Roselle Baliton gave the Highrisers the lead anew with a quick before Soltones once again came to the Chargers’ defense. She blew through two defenders to tie the game at 15.
Sutadta Chuewulim and Soltones exchanged attacks before Okaro nailed two consecutive hits to complete the win and secure Akari’s spot in the quarterfinals.
“I know naman na walang excuse, pero at least nairaos namin,” added Soltones.
(C) PVL Images
Okaro dropped 32 points on 28 attacks and four blocks. Lacsina contributed 20 points, 17 of which came from attacks, in the two-hour, 26-minute contest.
Soltones’ all-around brilliance was on full display with 13 points, 14 excellent receptions, and 11 excellent digs.
Meanwhile, Camille Victoria and Ezra Madrigal each added six points in the victory.
Kamille Cal delivered 19 excellent sets to go along with four markers.
Dani Ravena and Max Juangco registered 18 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions, respectively.
Akari will look to extend their winning streak to seven matches against sister team Nxled on Thursday at 3:00 PM at the same venue.
(C) PVL Images
Chuewulim led the Highrisers with 20 points and 12 excellent digs. France Ronquillo and Baliton added 12 points each in the loss that left them at 0-6 in the standings.
Meanwhile, Alyssa Eroa delivered a strong performance with 30 excellent receptions and 21 excellent digs in the defeat.
Galeries will aim to salvage their campaign against Cignal on Thursday at 5:00 PM.
