Grethcel Soltones received a significant boost from a former teammate during Akari’s thrilling five-set victory over PLDT in the semifinals of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Saturday night.
Mikha Lim, a member of the nation’s girl group BINI, was once again present at the SM Mall of Asia Arena to support Soltones and the Chargers in their dramatic 25-22, 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, 17-15 triumph over the High Speed Hitters.
Lim’s presence was a testament to the strong bond she shares with Soltones, forged during their time together at the 2023 Star Magic All-Star Games.
Soltones expressed her gratitude, saying, “Sobrang thankful kasi nga nakasama ko rin siya sa Star Magic.
“Also ‘di ko inexpect na ganun pala siya ka-friendly knowing her na sikat na siya ‘di ba since dati pa.”
NOT CONNECTED TO VOLLEYBALL
Grethcel Soltones clears the air about her “dahil” tweet that stirred up online buzz last Friday
#PVL2024
Jonash Dannug/Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/wH40IavQGT
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) August 31, 2024
The support from Lim was evident as Soltones played a pivotal role in Akari’s comeback. After trailing 12-14 in the fifth set, Soltones scored two consecutive points to give her team a 16-15 lead.
The match was sealed when Elena Samoilenko committed an attack error, securing Akari’s place in the finals.
Soltones finished the match with 16 points and 12 excellent digs, contributing significantly to Akari’s historic win and their first-ever finals appearance in the league.
Reflecting on the support she received, Soltones remarked, “Sobrang nakakatuwa kasi syempre lowkey lang kami, especially me. ‘Di ko rin in-expect na sa sobrang sikat niya kaya pa pala niya maglaan ng time para sa amin.”
Despite facing online backlash from a cryptic tweet a few days prior, Soltones maintained her focus throughout the game.
(C) PVL Images
“As in talagang nag-tweet lang ako kasi guys, not connected sa volleyball kasi I posted that bago lumabas ‘yun,” she explained.
“No hate tayo guys, relax lang tayo and also open context naman yung tweet ko so sana peace na lang.”
She added, “Sabi ko ‘di naman sila nagpapakain sa akin or nagpapasweldo. Sabi ko for the team ‘di dapat masayang yung pinagtrabahuhan namin as a team. Thankful din ako sa kanila kasi mas gusto ko yung nacha-challenge ako.”
Mikha Lim, a volleyball enthusiast who played the sport during her time at La Salle Integrated School, shared her enjoyment of watching intense games.
She expressed her happiness about the local support for volleyball, stating, “Sobrang saya ko kasi I like watching volleyball, sobrang ganda ng napapanood ko, mga talented people sa volleyball.”
Lim, who also attended Akari’s final elimination round game against Farm Fresh, added, “It’s so fun, I love them, I love watching volleyball, it’s nice that a lot of people support that in the Philippines.”
She emphasized her commitment to supporting Soltones and her other Star Magic All-Star Games teammates, Dani Ravena and Fifi Sharma.
Guess who @bini_mikha is cheering for in the PVL semis?
It’s her besties, Dani Ravena and Grethcel Soltones!
#PVL2024
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) August 31, 2024
