PVL: Akari survives Galeries in 5 sets to keep pristine record

The Akari Chargers. Photo from PVL Media Bureau

MANILA (UPDATED) – Akari remains at the top of 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference standings. 

The Chargers stretched their unbeaten run to six after surviving Galeries, 23-25, 25-15, 25-16, 22-25, 18-16, on Saturday at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. 

Import Oly Okaro led the winning side's offense with 32 points on 28 attacks and four blocks, while Grethcel Soltones had crucial hits in the fifth set to help the Taka Minowa-coached squad clinch its sixth win. 

Spiker Ivy Lacsina also contributed 20 markers, while Soltones (14 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs) Dani Ravena (18 excellent digs), and Max Juangco (14 excellent receptions) protected the Akari side of the floor. 

The Highrisers were on pace to take the game after reaching matchpoint, 14-12, off a Lacsina service error, but Soltones, dubbed as the "Lady Beast," said not yet as she fired consecutive hits to tie the ballgame, 14-apiece. 

Soltones told reporters in the postgame interview that she actually asked for the ball in the clutch.

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"Hiningi ko na kasi sabi ko nga kay Muy [Kamille Cal], 'Muy bigay mo na sa'kin pero 'wag mo bilisan para makita ko 'yung blockers.' Sabi ko ibigay niya sa'kin 'yung bola, cover ko 'yun, tapos ayun," she said.

That trust eventually paid off as the Lady Beast kept Akari's hopes alive. 

"Tiwala kami sa bawat isa so I guess, 'di na rin natakot 'yung bawat isa pumalo or umatake kasi nasa likod ko naman sila."

Soltones saved another matchpoint with a down-the-line kill in the extended decider, 16-all, then Okaro followed that play with consecutive attacks to finally end the two-hour, 40-minute encounter. 

The team reminded each other that pressure isn't new, the San Sebastian College-Recoletos product said, and they should stay focused on their ultimate goal: the trophy.

"Nire-remind lang namin 'yung bawat isa na hindi na bago sa'tin 'to," Soltones said. "Hangga't wala pa sa'tin 'yung trophy or what, wala pa tayong napapatunayan. Sana mas doblehin pa natin 'yung advantage natin."

Galeries reinforcement Sutadta Chuewulim paced the losing side with 20 markers anchored mostly on attacks.