SANTA ROSA, LAGUNA — Even while under the weather, Grethcel Soltones led by example, powering Akari to a gritty four-set win over Galeries Tower in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday.
Soltones, who had been battling the flu since their last game against Creamline, helped steady the Chargers in a hard-fought triumph over the resilient Highrisers, 25-23, 25-23, 14-25, 26-24, extending Akari’s winning streak to five games at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex here.
“Since Creamline game, ‘di na po ako okay. Pero ‘yun nga, hindi ako nagsasabi kasi ayoko rin po silang mag-isip, lalo na si coach [Tina Salak],” said the 30-year-old spiker from San Sebastian.
The former Best Outside Hitter revealed that she had to miss their previous practice but managed to squeeze in a session before their game against Galeries Tower, all while struggling with difficulty breathing and speaking.
Still, Soltones showed up at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex like a warrior determined to lead her team, finishing with eight points and eight impressive digs.
(C) PVL Images
“Nung Sunday, World Bex, kailangan po naming pumunta doon. Doon na po nag-start na magka-trangkaso ako. Hindi ako nakapag-training; kahapon lang ako nakapag-training ulit, kaya hirap ako huminga,” said the spiker from Catmon, Cebu.
“Si Coach Tina, nag-a-adjust din sa akin kasi hindi ako makahinga nang maayos. Sa pananalita ko rin, para akong may mic,” she added.
Akari head coach Tina Salak also praised Soltones for her leadership on and off the court, noting how she set an example and remained a positive role model for the team.
“Commend ko talaga si Gretch. Under the weather ‘to since yesterday,” Salak said.
“Actually, given naman ‘yun, but the thing is mas nagbibigay siya ng mas bigger role, bigger responsibility. Not just an Ate, good example rin sa mga players na kahit na under the weather, kailangan talaga yung leadership niya. Hindi niya pinapabayaan na… kung matalo ‘man kami, whatsoever, hindi kami pwedeng ganun.”
The Chargers leaned heavily on Soltones’ leadership after the Highrisers roared back, taking control of the third set and pushing the fourth into a tense extension that threatened to send the match to a decisive fifth set.
With Soltones rallying her teammates, Akari steadied themselves and held on to secure the hard-fought victory, moving closer to the qualifying round with a 5-3 record.
“Nire-remind ko sila na hindi bago sa amin ang mga ganitong sitwasyon, kaya kumakapit kami sa isa’t isa. Paulit-ulit ko rin silang nire-remind pag crunch time na kailangan o hindi, na hindi na ito bago sa atin, kaya kakayanin natin itong lampasan.”
#WATCH: PINIPILIT KONG I-UP SILA 🏐
Grethcel Soltones has embraced her role as Akari’s sparkplug in #PVL2026#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/nU7rDxHiiI
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker times pic.twitter.com/dEAIDZn2j2
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 17, 2026
