In a match where the lead shifted multiple times in thrilling back-and-forth battles in the last three frames, Akari took them all, essaying another dramatic reverse sweep, this time against Petro Gazz, 23-25, 21-25, 25-23, 29-27, 16-14, to notch its third consecutive win in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference elims at the Philsports Arena Saturday night.
Not only did the victory place the Chargers alongside the high-flying Cignal HD Spikers at the top of Pool B, but it also signified the franchise’s strongest start in the league and their first-ever victory over the Angels.
“I would say today it felt different, I definitely felt like I relied a lot on the team and I didn’t feel that I was always up. I felt I just needed an extra pull and I don’t think I made the best decisions even towards the end,” said Okaro, crediting her teammates’ support.
For the Angels, it was a disappointing loss, especially after their recent shutout defeat to the Capital1 Solar Spikers.
Despite winning the first two sets, the absence of key players like Jonah Sabete, Djanel Cheng and MJ Philips proved too significant. The situation worsened when middle blocker Kecelyn Galdones had to exit late in the fifth set, allowing the Chargers to take a 13-12 lead.
Despite this setback, import Wilma Salas tried to rally the Angels, tying the score with a power tip and putting them at match point with a powerful kill.
However, Akari’s Oly Okaro had other plans.
The American extended the set with a drop ball, followed by a kill that put Akari at match point. Grethcel Soltones then sealed the victory with an ace that ricocheted off Salas and into the stands.
Okaro delivered a standout performance with 31 points, including 29 attacks. Soltones also shone, scoring 19 points, while Ivy Lacsina overcame several service errors to contribute 18 markers.
“Siguro yung pinagdadaanan namin as a team kasi these past few months hindi talaga ganon kaganda but doon kami humuhugot ng lakas para maayos yung game, na hindi porket hindi maayos yung training o nagkakagulo yung mga bagay, dapat kapag laro, game,“ said Soltones.
Ced Domingo and Camille Victoria provided solid support from the bench with 11 and nine points, respectively.
Despite strong performances from Brooke Van Sickle and Salas, who scored 24 and 22 points respectively, and Remy Palma’s 11 markers, the Angels struggled without their full roster. Galdones managed only seven points before her early exit.
Akari's 81 attack points, 18 more than Petro Gazz, compensated for the Chargers 39 errors. They also capitalized on 20 points from the Angels’ mistakes.
