Akari Chargers in huddle. PVL photo
Akari extends winning streak in PVL
PVL photo
AKARI extended its undefeated run to six matches but not after surviving a hard-fighting Galeries Tower side, 23-25, 25-15, 25-16, 22-25, 18-16, in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference yesterday at the Philsports Arena.
The Highrisers were so close from dealing the Chargers their first loss of the tournament after reaching match point first, 14-12.
Grethcel Soltones came to the rescue for Akari, drilling in four of her team’s last six points to preserve its perfect record.
“Hiningi ko na kasi, sabi ko nga kay Muy (setter Kamille Cal), Muy ‘bigay mo na sa akin pero huwag mo bilisan para makita ko yung blockers.’ Sabi ko ibigay niya sa akin yung bola, cover ko yun, tapos ayun. Tiwala kami sa bawat isa so I guess, hindi na rin natakot ‘yung bawat isa pumalo or umatake kasi nasa likod ko naman sila,” said Soltones.
The Chargers, enjoying their finest start in club history, have already secured the quarterfinals berth even before the start of the second round of the preliminaries.
Cignal later joined Akari in the quarters as it brushed off a close third set loss by dominating the fourth, 25-23, 28-26, 25-27, 25-14, to regain its winning ways.
The HD Spikers raised their record to 5-1 overall, rebounding from a four-set loss to the Chargers at the end of first round, but not after surviving a tough Foxies’ floor defense in the two-hour, 20-minute match.
“Una lang naming ginawa, accept lang namin at nag-move on kami sa game plan namin sa Farm Fresh. Kahit mga bata, alam naming mature silang maglaro,” said Cignal coach Shaq delos Santos.
American Oly Okaro led Akari with 32 points, including four blocks while Ivy Lacsina added 20 points, including three blocks. Soltones had 13 points, 11 digs and 14 receptions while setter Kamille Cal tossed in 19 excellent.
Thai Chuewulim Sutadta had another solid outing with 20 points and 12 digs while libero Alyssa Eroa was all over the place with 21 digs while 30 receptions.
But their efforts were not enough as Galeries Tower lost its third five-setter match of the conference and now 0-6 overall.
Venezuela’s MJ Perez had 23 points and 20 receptions while Ces Molina added 14 points for the HD Spikers. Setter Gel Cayuna came through with eight points, including two aces, and 19 excellent sets, while libero Jheck Dionela collected 15 digs before leaving late in the extended third set due to cramps.
Farm Fresh, led by Trisha Tubu’s 23 points, dropped to 2-4.
