Faith Nisperos-less Akari still swept Farm Fresh, 25-19, 25-15, 25-22, to enter the win column of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Chargers did not need much time to light it up, racing to a 25-19 first set before blowing out the Foxies even more in the second, 25-15.
However, Farm Fresh found its groove in the third set and even took a 20-18 lead.
Then Fifi Sharma, Michelle Cobb, and Grethcel Soltones joined forced to turn that around and finish the game for Akari in 80 minutes.
“Ang masasabi ko lang, credit to the players. Ginawa talaga nila yung game plan namin. Kung ano man yung napag-aralan namin sa Farm Fresh, nakita naman yung result,” said Raffy Mosuela, who earned his first win as the team’s lead coach.
The Chargers forged a triple tie at sixth to eight spots with the Foxies and Capital1 behind identical 1-2 records.
Soltones led the way for Akari with 16 points on 13-of-25 attacks, two aces, and a block, to go along with 10 excellent receptions.
Eli Soyud also powered through in a starter role with 14 points, stepping in for Nisperos.
The latter did not suit up as she was feeling under the weather.
Erika Raagas also had 10 points while middle blockers Ced Domingo and Sharma got nine and eight points, respectively.
“Siyempre lahat naman po kami masaya kasi kailangan din po namin yung win today. Sana po maging headstart ito sa amin para makakuha kami ng future wins,” said Cobb, who tossed 16 excellent sets to go with three points on two blocks and an attack.
It was also an emotional win for Akari as the company is currently embroiled in allegations raised by Jerry Yee that led to his suspension in the UAAP.
Trisha Tubu was the lone Foxie in double figures with 10 points. Meanwhile, Chinnie Arroyo and Kate Santiago backstopped her with nine and seven points.
Soltones will face her former team next as Akari battles Petro Gazz on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan at 4:00 PM.
On the other hand, Farm Fresh will look to rebound after that at 6:00 PM against Chery Tiggo.
