IVY Lacsina unleashed a commanding 27-point performance to power seventh-ranked Akari past a gritty Galeries Tower squad, 21-25, 25-19, 20-25, 25-16, 15-11, and seize the series opener of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals at the Philsports Arena last night.

Lacsina’s kept the Chargers afloat in clutch moments, helping the Chargers erase a 1-2 deficit and overcome a determined Highrisers side.

“Sinabi sa akin ni coach Taka (Minowa), team effort talaga,” said Lacsina. “Kanina, sinasabihan lang ako ng mga teammates ko na ‘paluin mo lang, paluin mo lang, huwag kang matakot’. Parang doon din, nabu-boost ako.”

Despite the loss, Galeries Tower, which entered the Last 8 after a shocking upset over third-ranked Cignal in the qualifying round, proved that it is worthy to be in its current place.

Eli Soyud chipped in 19 points while Grethcel Soltones contributed 10 points for Akari.

“Our preparations against Galeries made the difference,” said Soyud. “We made in-game adjustments to counter their speed, focused on hard serves and solid blocking, and recovered in Sets 2 and 4.”

She also credited the coaching staff, saying: “Everybody wanted to win and reach the semis. We’re grateful for the trust from our coaches, and all our hard work paid off.”

Games Tuesday:

(Philsports Arena)
4 p.m. – Creamline vs Chery Tiggo
6:30 p.m. – PetroGazz vs ZUS Coffee

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado