Akari opened its Pool B campaign in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference with a 25-18, 27-25, 22-25, 25-14 win over Capital1 on Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The Chargers recovered after their third-set slip to move to 1-0 in their group, joining Petro Gazz as early leaders.
American import Oly Okaro, Ivy Lacsina, and Ced Domingo led Akari’s onslaught in the fourth, pushing them ahead 18-10 en route to the victory after two hours and 16 minutes.
“Actually, since the exchange of players between Akari and Nxled, we’ve had a hard time practicing. Until Oly came to the team, we hadn’t done any six-on-six, so maybe this time we can have some connection. We need to maximize this PVL conference if we’re going to get better,” said Chargers head coach Taka Minowa.
(C) Joaqui Flores/PVL
After Okaro’s attack that pulled the Chargers to within a point, 22-23, Russian Marina Tushova responded for the Solar Spikers with an off-the-block hit followed by a service ace to bag the third set and extend the match, 25-22.
Lacsina scored a team-high 20 points on her debut for Akari, while Okaro had 16 points.
Middle blockers Domingo and Cams Victoria added eight and seven points, respectively, for the victors.
Grethcel Soltones, despite only scoring six, made her presence felt on the defensive end with 12 excellent receptions and 12 digs.
Libero Dani Ravena also shone with 18 digs and 11 receptions.
Akari’s next game will be on Tuesday against Choco Mucho at 4:00 PM, while Capital1 will follow at 6:00 PM against Petro Gazz.
(C) Joaqui Flores/PVL
Russian reinforcement Marina Tushova led the Solar Spikers with 20 points on 17 attacks, two blocks, and an ace along with 12 receptions.
Iris Tolenada had a great debut for Capital1 as well, with 10 excellent sets and seven points.
Second overall pick Leila Cruz also finished with seven points, alongside Des Clemente, who had the same scoring output.
