In a fitting homecoming, the Premier Volleyball League made its return to the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, where Akari outlasted Petro Gazz in a hard-fought straight-sets win, 32-30, 25-22, 25-19, to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the preseason tournament on Tuesday.
After a roller-coaster group stage where they managed just two wins in five games, the Chargers seemed headed for another uphill battle, especially with starting setter Kamille Cal sidelined due to ongoing rehab on both knees.
But stepping up to the challenge was backup setter Bea Bonafe, who brought much-needed stability to the offense.
(C) PVL Images
In her first-ever PVL start, Bonafe tossed 14 excellent sets and steered Akari to a balanced attack that saw three players score in double figures in the one-hour and 34-minute encounter.
The opening set was a thriller, with the Chargers nearly squandering a 24-22 lead after back-to-back errors that allowed Petro Gazz to tie the score at 24-all.
The Angels pushed hard to seize the momentum, but Akari held its ground. Bonafe teamed up with Ivy Lacsina on back-to-back plays to close out the extended frame, 32-30.
From there, the Chargers carried their momentum into the next two sets, showing greater composure and sharper execution to complete the sweep and punch their ticket to the next round.
“I’m very happy sa naging outcome, of course. Ginamit kasi namin ‘yung break for them to recover, and then to make adjustments. Ang dami naming adjustments na ginawa, ang daming adjustments,” said Akari head coach Tina Salak.
“But ‘yun nga, ang sarap lang sa pakiramdam na ganito ‘yung naging outcome. So nag-expect kami, pero hindi ganitong sweep. I mean, ang fino-foresee ko, five sets. Thankful din ako dahil through Petro Gazz, nakita natin ‘yung potential ni Bea [Bonafe],” she added.
Ivy Lacsina led the way with 16 points off 12 attacks, three blocks, and one ace. Eli Soyud contributed 15 points, while Grethcel Soltones chipped in 13 markers, with both players also recording six excellent digs.
Ezra Madrigal added nine points, while Ced Domingo and Chenie Tagaod provided seven and five points, respectively.
Akari now sets its sights on Cignal, with the two teams clashing in a knockout quarterfinal match on Thursday at 4:00 PM, again at the Philsports Arena.
Meanwhile, Petro Gazz was led by Myla Pablo’s 15 points and eight excellent receptions, while Nicole Tiamzon scored 12 points in the losing effort.
(C) PVL Images
