Akari’s gritty 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference win over Chery Tiggo EV was the result of a full-team effort, but Ced Domingo was quick to highlight the spark that set the tone in the winner-take-all fifth set: veteran Grethcel Soltones.
“Coming into the fifth set, kailangan lang kasi namin ng isang sparkplug para lahat susunod na,” Domingo said.
Soltones’ impact was immediate and decisive.
After starting the first two sets and sitting out the third, she came off the bench in the fourth and returned to start the fifth. Her energy and leadership set the example for the younger players, helping the Chargers click as a unit at the crucial stage.
The 30-year-old outside spiker tallied eight points in the match, including three in the decisive fifth set.
But her most significant contribution was the leadership and composure she brought to the floor — setting the tone for Akari’s commanding finish and powering the team to a hard-fought 25-11, 22-25, 29-27, 17-25, 15-7 triumph over the Crossovers.
(C) PVL Images
“And I want to commend Ate Grethc [Soltones] kasi siya ‘yung naging sparkplug sa’min coming to the fifth set and lahat sumunod,” added Domingo.
For her part, the former PVL Finals MVP said personal preparation and focus helped her contribute consistently in all departments throughout the marathon match.
“Of course, coming to this game, nag-personal mindset din talaga ako, and I did my personal goals na first. Contribute muna ako sa blockings kasi ‘yun ‘yung pinaka-importante, and I guess the other skills followed na lang,” said Domingo, who herself had 16 points on seven attacks, five blocks, and four aces in the win.
Domingo also brushed off the pressure of a five-set battle, saying she approached the decider as “just another set” and focused on keeping her composure to help her teammates stay confident.
“I guess for me, I don’t think of the pressure kasi of the five sets. Lagi kong iniisip na another set siya, regardless kung anong set,” she said.
“I tried to keep up my composure, ayokong ipakita sa teammates ko na like kunwari nara-rattle ako or whatever. With that, I know na nagkakaron sila ng confidence din sa’kin, I know na composed sila.”
