Grethcel Soltones remains optimistic about Akari’s future after the team exceeded expectations in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference.
“Sobrang happy kasi ‘yun nga po, ‘yung target namin as a team is [top] four, [top] five, so hindi namin talaga ‘to in-expect na aabot kami ng championship. So super happy kami kahit anong mangyari kanina,” said Soltones.
After spending the last five conferences at the bottom of the standings, the Chargers took the league by storm in the import-laced tournament.
They embarked on a remarkable 10-game winning streak to secure their first-ever finals appearance in franchise history.
However, their Cinderella run came to a painful halt when they faced the powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers in the championship.
“Siguro. Para sakin kasi, kapag sinabi mong Creamline, kasi matagal na sila, mas matagal na silang magkakasama,” said Soltones, who was recognized as one of the Best Outside Hitters of the tournament.
“Aminin natin mas matagal na silang magkakasama and also champion caliber talaga sila. Parang ‘di kami nanghinayang, nandito na kami so talagang binigay na namin lahat,” she added.
The Chargers were overpowered by the more experienced Cool Smashers in the one-sided final, falling 15-25, 23-25, 17-25, bringing their fairytale run to an anticlimactic end last Wednesday.
(C) PVL Images
Adding to the pressure, Akari also faced boos from the crowd at the Philsports Arena following their controversial victory over PLDT in the knockout semifinals.
Despite the hostile environment, Soltones emphasized that the team wasn’t affected by the negativity, acknowledging that Creamline was simply the better team that day.
“I guess okay naman kami so far, ‘di ba kanina? So nagkulang lang din talaga kami and also Creamline is a good team. Talagang undefeated din sila,” said the San Sebastian standout.
“Saka ayun nga, sabi naman ng coaches namin, manalo o matalo, proud pa rin sila sa amin.”
Despite the loss, the 28-year-old pride of Catmon, Cebu, remains proud of what Akari accomplished throughout the conference, especially in overcoming the adversity they faced – including the injury to middle blocker Ced Domingo ahead of the final.
“Masaya pa rin kami. Nakita niyo naman after game, ‘di ba? Lahat kami, kahit silver, ang silver hindi basta-basta. So nakita niyo kami kanina nakangiti, pagpasok at paglabas ng dugout,” Soltones shared.
Though their championship dream fell short, Akari’s journey proved their potential and resilience.
Because of that, Soltones is confident that this is only the beginning for the Chargers.
