Akari overcame a slow start, eliminating sister team Nxled in four sets, 21-25, 25-19, 25-17, 25-18, to remain perfect in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
The Chargers, who were coming off a close five-set win over Galeries Tower, recovered from a forgettable opening-set performance before dominating the next three to improve their immaculate record to 7-0.
“All the games I think are all the same. Ever since, the first set is very weak and today, it happened again. We really need to fix it if we’re going to be a champion team because now we’re lucky,” said Akari head coach Taka Minowa.
American wing spiker Oly Okaro played big anew for the Chargers, hammering down 30 big points on 28 attacks, an ace, and a block in the two-hour, four-minute encounter.
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Ivy Lacsina chipped in 19 points in the win. Grethcel Soltones had another excellent all-around performance of nine points and 13 excellent digs, while Camille Victoria had seven markers.
Team captain and playmaker Michelle Cobb, who bursted into tears after being named the Player of the Game, glued things together with 18 excellent sets to go along with nine big points for Akari.
“I was emotional because, like what I said in the interview, our team’s been through a lot din in terms of challenges ganyan. Made me emotional lang na parang even if we did go through a lot of challenges, nandoon pa rin kami like with my teammates, the support they give me, the coaches,” said the former La Salle standout.
“The support and trust they give me are still there so ayun just made me emotional. Good thing na ayun nga, I still can lean on them,” she added.
Cobb was the lone setter for the Chargers in the match as Kamille Cal is nursing a minor injury.
Akari will look to continue its unbeaten streak when they face off against Farm Fresh on Tuesday, 5:00 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
On the other hand, the also-ran Nxled dropped to 1-6 in the rankings.
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American middle blocker Meegan Hart paced the Chameleons with 16 points on 11 attacks and five kill blocks, while Chiara Permentilla had 11 points in the loss.
Nxled will look to bounce back against Cignal also on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m.
