AKARI earned its first-ever Premier Volleyball League win with a 25-20, 25-22, 25-22 sweep of United Auctioneers Inc.-Army in the Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena.

Dominican Republic’s Prisilla Rivera showed the way for the Chargers with a solid all-around outing of 25 kills and 11 receptions.

Janine Marciano was Akari’s best local scorer with 10 points to go with 15 receptions, Erika Raagas chipped in nine points, while Ezra Madrigal had three blocks for a seven-point outing.

Brazilian coach Jorge Edson de Brito was happy to see the Chargers perform well in the match one-hour, 35-minute match.

“First win is always a good win, of course. The guys really deserve this. I’m sure this is not only the first win. So, I’m really proud of them,” said de Brito.

In her second professional game, Raagas has made an instant impact for Akari especially on offense.

“I think I just really wanted to contribute for the team in any way that I can, and I think of the role that coaches ask me of us,” said Raagas, who played two seasons for Ateneo.

Definitely, Rivera’s leadership has rubbed the Chargers.

“She is so good,” said Raagas. “I say it so many times her energy is so contagious. Even her mindset, it’s like having a coach inside the court playing with you and telling you what to do and I really appreciate that this season.”

Canada’s Laura Condotta led the Lady Troopers with 13 points and 12 digs while Jovelyn Gonzaga contributed eight kills.

UAI-Army fell in a tie with idle F2 Logistics at 0-2

Games Tuesday

(Philsports Arena)
2:30 p.m. – UAI-Army vs F2 Logistics
5:30 p.m. – Creamline vs PetroGazz