By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Akari Chargers kept its untainted record in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference after taking down the NXLED Chameleons, 21-25, 25-19, 25-17, 25-18, on August 15, 2024, at the Philsports Arena.
Akari overcame a sloppy start after surrendering the opening set, kicking off the game opener with tons of unforced errors and miscommunication on the defensive end.
With a set down entering the second frame, the Chargers quickly flipped the switch and turned on the jets when it mattered the most in the following period as they doubled their effort on the defensive department especially on their floor coverage.
Akari’s reinforcement Oly Okaro played another huge game for the Chargers and displayed an efficient outing on both ends of the floor, erupting on the offense midway through the second set while leading her team in the middle coverage in the last two frames.
Okaro ended Akari’s seventh consecutive win with a game-high 30-point output derived from 28 successful attacks, seven excellent digs, three blocks, and a service ace.
Akari banked on Okaro’s unstoppable scoring display during the start of their reverse sweep in the second set, dominating the middle of the court and pummeling every dish thrown by setter Kamille Cal.
Also stepping up for the Chargers was Ivy Lacsina, who dropped the hammer on her former team after unleashing 19 points built from 18 successful attacks.
The ever-reliable veteran Gretchel Soltones stabilized the Chargers and was again efficient with her all-around performance of nine markers, 13 excellent digs, and 10 excellent receptions.
“All the games I think are all the same. Ever since, the first set is very weak and today, it happened again. We really need to fix it if we’re going to be a champion team because now we’re lucky,” said Akari head coach Taka Minowa.
Akari will have the chance to extend their best start since joining the PVL on August 20, 2024, as they take on the offensive-oriented Farm Fresh Foxies in the last game of the scheduled tripleheader.
