Akari heads to first semifinals, eliminates Farm Fresh
Oly Okaro helps Akari Chargers secure a semifinals berth in the PVL Reinforced Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Akari secured its first ever seat trip to the PVL semifinals after shutting the doors on Farm Fresh, 17-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-23, in the Reinforced Conference Saturday night at FilOil EcoOil Centre.
The Chargers leaned on their go-to trio of Oly Okaro, Grethcel Soltones and Ivy Lacsina to move just a win away from making it to the Finals.
Okaro and Soltones delivered 17 points apiece from 16 attack points each as Lacsina added 12 points. It was made possible by the returning Kamille Cal with 14 excellent sets.
RESULTS: 2024 PVL Reinforced quarterfinals August 24
Soltones also had 10 excellent receptions as Cams Victoria contributed nine points, four from blocks.
“We didn’t get here because it was easy. Also, my teammates are my inspiration, especially when the game gets tough; you look for someone to lean on,” Soltones said.
Akari Chargers’ Grethcel Soltones in the PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Dani Ravena caught 17 excellent digs as well as 10 excellent receptions before hurting her right knee in the fourth frame.
“Of course, we’re very happy, but this isn’t the end. Every game from now on will get tougher, so we need to work even harder. We also need to focus on improving how we move as a team,” Lacsina added as they await the winner between PLDT and Chery Tiggo in the other quarterfinal bracket.
READ: PVL: Akari Chargers know job not done yet after prelims sweep
Trisha Tubu paced Farm Fresh with 15 attack points while import Yeny Murillo and Caitlin Viray chipped in 12 points apiece as the Foxies, despite having their campaign cut short, completed its best finish.
The Colombian also registered 11 excellent digs and seven receptions while Janel Delerio made an effort with 21 excellent digs and 19 excellent receptions.
Overcoming a first-set shocker, Akari found its footing in the succeeding sets to remain unbeaten here.
After a neck-and-neck affair, the Chargers carved out a 5-1 run to keep the momentum on their side, 20-16.
The Foxies narrowed the deficit after consecutive errors from Akari, 21-19, before Romero nailed an ace.
Murillo and Viray scored back-to-back points to bring the gap to tie the game at 22-all. Soltones landed a cross-court with Santiago immediately responding, knotting the game once again at 23-all.
Soltones scored a clutch point down the line before Victoria sealed the game by blocking Kate Santiago.
