Akari displayed dominance from start to finish as it overwhelmed Strong Group, fashioning out a decisive 25-8, 25-15, 25-16 triumph to secure seventh place in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena on Saturday.
The Chargers’ commanding performance in the first set hinted at an easy night ahead, showcasing their superior firepower and relentless hustle that proved too much for the Athletics to handle.
With the win, Akari closed out the conference with a 5-6 record, clinching the seventh position while denying the Athletics a victory in 11 games in Strong Group’s maiden campaign in the league organized by Sports Vision.
“It’s a positive step for us as we prepare for the next conference,” said Fifi Sharma, who earned the game’s top honors with a nine-point showing, including four attacks and five blocks.
Sharma’s dominant presence at the net highlighted her exceptional blocking skills, establishing her as a standout middle blocker in a conference filled with talent in that position.
“While this victory boosts our confidence, we acknowledge that there’s still much work to be done to elevate our performance further,” added Sharma, who is celebrating her 23rd birthday today.
Dindin Manabat led Akari’s charge with 12 points, including two blocks, while Faith Nisperos and Grethcel Soltones matched Sharma’s output and Roselle Baliton shone with seven markers.
Soltones added 13 excellent digs while Nisperos made 10 excellent receptions for the Chargers, who lorded it over in spikes, 39-20, blocks, 10-5, and aces, 5-2.
Souzan Raslan topscored for Strong Group with 10 points but Dolly Verzosa and Rose Jauculan finished with four points apiece and Justine Rebleza and Mary Joy Onofre added three markers each.
Akari’s decisive victory concluded the intense two-month-long elims, characterized by dramatic twists and thrilling nine five-set matches.
As the curtains draw on the prelims, it sets the stage for a compelling Last 4 phase, where every team enters on equal footing, promising an ever more thrilling showdown in the upcoming semifinal round.
