By: Ernest Tuazon
In a thrilling display of friendly rivalry, Alyssa Eroa and Grethcel Soltones brought out the best in each other during the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Saturday afternoon.
Having shared a long history as teammates – from San Sebastian to Balipure, Paymaya, Smart, and finally ending a near-decade tenure together with PLDT – Eroa and Soltones now faced off as rivals on the Taraflex.
Despite tallying 21 excellent digs and 30 excellent receptions, the 27-year-old libero Eroa admitted to being heavily challenged by Soltones throughout the match between Galeries and Akari, especially in the decisive fifth set.
“Sobrang hirap kasi talagang iniiwas niya sa akin ‘eh. Parang papunta sa akin pero pagagalawin niya. Nung last part ng game, talagang binarubal na niya, talagang hindi ko makuha,” Eroa shared.
On Soltones’ side, both she and Eroa enjoyed the banter during the two-hour, 26-minute five-set thriller.
However, the Cebuana-raised outside hitter stopped fooling around in the deciding set.
She scored four of the last six points needed by the Chargers to secure their 23-25, 25-15, 25-16, 22-25, 18-16 win over the Highrisers.
(C) PVL Images
“Nag-aasaran nga kami sa loob ng court. Ang galing niya pa rin, ang dami niyang puntos sa akin,” said Soltones.
“Pero nung nag-fifth set na, sabi ko hindi na pwede,” she added.
As the final whistle blew, the friendly rivalry between Eroa and Soltones not only showcased their individual brilliance, but also underscored the enduring bond – even as they battled fiercely on the court.
