Akari wrapped up its preliminary round campaign in Pool B of the PVL On Tour with a tough straight-set victory over Capital1, hacking out a 25-23, 25-18, 25-23 decision at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan Tuesday night.
The Chargers overcame a gritty stand from the Solar Spikers in the opening frame, fended off a late fightback to take control, and cruised in the second set with a dominant all-around display. They then clawed back from a nine-point deficit in the third to complete the one-hour, 29-minute win and finish with a 2-3 record in the six-team group.
While Akari remained in fifth place and missed out on a top-two finish for outright quarterfinal entry, the Chargers aim to ride the momentum of this morale-boosting win heading into the knockout round, where the third to sixth-ranked squads battle for survival in the pre-season tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Capital1, powered by Sydney Niegos, Rachel Austero and Rovie Instrella, came out smoking in Set 3, racing to a commanding 21-12 lead and was poised to extend the match.
But the Chargers regrouped just in time, heeding timely reminders from their coaching staff to unleash a blistering 13-2 closing run—an all-out team effort that left the Solar Spikers visibly rattled and frustrated.
“There are moments when they just need to be reminded. We’re all skilled, but sometimes the mentality and attitude change when we’re trailing by about six points,” said Akari head coach Tina Salak.
“Thankfully, they respond well to the system and the encouragement not just from me but from the rest of the coaching staff as well. It’s all part of the learning process,” she added.
Eli Soyud, the league’s reigning Most Improved Player, led all scorers with 12 points, while Ezra Madrigal backed her up with 11 markers built on eight attacks and three kill blocks to help steer an injury-hit Akari squad to victory.
Grethcel Soltones added nine points along with 15 excellent digs, while Ivy Lacsina turned in an all-around effort of eight points and 11 excellent receptions.
Kamille Cal orchestrated the balanced offense with 22 excellent sets and chipped in five points, while Dani Ravena and Max Juangco also stood their ground on defense with 11 excellent digs and seven receptions, respectively.
On the other hand, Capital1 remained winless at 0-5, struggling to find rhythm in the absence of key players, including top pick Bella Belen and Leila Cruz.
Niegos finished with 11 points off nine attacks and two kill blocks, while Austero also scored 11, built on five attacks, four kill blocks, and two aces. Instrella chipped in 10 markers.
Despite flashes of promise, the Solar Spikers were unable to sustain their energy, especially in crucial stretches, and closed out their prelims campaign without a victory.
