Akari’s campaign in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference may have started on the wrong foot with two straight losses, but the new Charger, Grethcel Soltones, sees promise in the team.
This optimism follows Akari’s entry into the win column with a dominant straight-sets victory against Farm Fresh, scoring 25-19, 25-15, 25-22, on Tuesday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Soltones led the charge for the Chargers with 16 points in an efficient spiking performance, going 13-of-25. She also secured two service aces and a block, complemented by 10 excellent receptions.
“Thank you sa coaches kasi parang hindi sila nagsasawa sa amin. I know yung team na ito meron talagang future,” said Soltones, who signed with Akari in January.
The Chargers faced a challenging start, experiencing setbacks against Creamline and Cignal, although they managed to secure a set in each of the games.
Despite leading Akari in the scoring department, Soltones emphasized their entry into the winners’ circle alongside her established connection with the team’s setters.
“Hindi ako nagb-ibase sa kung ano yung score ko sa game. I always think na I need to be there to make my teammates happy para magaan lang sa team and nagre-remind lang din,” said the lefty opposite spiker out of San Sebastian.
“Happy kasi syempre bago ako sa Akari and hindi ako nahirapan makisama. Super may connection na kami so far.”
One of the promising skills of the Chargers was on full display against the Foxies. They dominated the blocking department with their towering presence at the net, leading 11-2.
Akari coach Raffy Mosuela shared that he specifically designed this strategy to enhance the team’s chances of winning in the country’s premier league.
“After ng past two games namin, talagang nag-focus din ako sa pattern namin sa blocking kasi yun ang kailangan namin. Bonus na yung mag block point or ma-rebound.”
