For Eli Soyud, trust has been the driving force behind her explosive performance in the Akari Chargers’ back-to-back wins in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series.
The veteran winger delivered one of the best performances in her pro career, erupting for 30 points on 27 attacks, two blocks, and an ace to power Akari’s come-from-behind 25-22, 25-27, 22-25, 25-23, 15-12 victory over Farm Fresh on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Chargers turned to her sensational outing to rise from a winless start to a 2-2 record tied with Farm Fresh and PLDT.
Soyud attributed her 30-point explosion to the unwavering faith given to her by the Akari coaching staff and teammates.
“‘Yung tiwala na binigay nila sa akin, ‘yun ‘yung pinanghahawakan ko rin, and ‘yung tiwala ng coaches na wala silang ibang binigay sa akin na instructions kundi sige, paluin ko lang, huwag kang mag-hesitate, which is ‘yun din ang sinunod ko,” said Soyud.
“Ang maganda lang is walang nagdo-doubt kung anuman ‘yung gagawin ng bawat isa. ‘Yun ‘yung nakapag-motivate sa amin na talagang kunin kahit umabot ng fifth set.”
After restoring order for the Chargers, Soyud’s efforts did not go unnoticed as she earned the nod to bag the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week citation for the October 27 to 29 period.
Rather than focusing on the individual milestone, the former Adamson stalwart kept her sights on securing a much-needed victory for Akari heading into the second half of the preliminary round.
“Actually wala akong idea na umabot 30 points basta ‘yung akin, manalo kami. ‘Yun ang main goal,” she said.
Soyud admitted that Akari was in a tight spot after dropping its first two games. However, the Chargers refused to just give up.
“Mahirap bumangon pag sunod-sunod ‘yung talo, so talagang tiyatiyagain namin, especially sa training. Doon talaga ‘yung magsimula, kung paano kami mag-prep, kung paano ‘yung magiging game plan namin pag-abot sa game,” said the 2025 PVL Press Corps Most Improved Player.
“Ngayon, nagbubunga na siya and nakikita na ‘yung potential ng team,” she added.
Soyud edged out teammate Mars Alba, Creamline’s Jema Galanza and Bernadeth Pons, Choco Mucho’s Dawn Macandili-Catindig and Eya Laure, and PLDT’s Savi Davison for the weekly honor deliberated by print and online reporters covering the pioneering professional volleyball league organized by Sports Vision.
The Chargers return to action on Tuesday, aiming to extend their winning streak against the Galeries Tower Highrisers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
