By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Akari Chargers wrapped up the preliminary phase of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference with a clean 8-0 sweep and concluded the preliminaries with their best-ever finish since joining the pro league on August 20, 2024.
Akari maintained its focus in their final game as they blanked the Farm Fresh Foxies, 25-19, 25-22, 25-19, to secure the top seed in the PVL quarterfinals.
Despite already getting a sure slot in the playoffs as they entered their game against Farm Fresh with an untainted record of 7-0, Akari still played with their brand of volleyball, pummeling the Foxies with their overwhelming attack from the backline and the cross-court.
After taking a 1-0 lead, Akari just steamrolled their way into the game and didn’t give the young Farm Fresh squad room to breathe in the final two sets.
Oly Okaro, Akari’s import from the US, proved she is worth the acquisition after leading her team with 18 big points in just three sets of action.
Okaro was efficient with her offense, connecting on 16 successful attacks and tallying nine excellent digs and two blocks.
With Farm Fresh threatening to inch the gap in the second set, Okaro put on the finishing touches after scoring on back-to-back possessions that steered the Chargers to a commanding 2-0 advantage.
It was then the locals that lifted Akari in the final period led by the efforts of veteran outside hitter Gretchel Soltones who fired 15 points derived from 14 successful attacks.
Meanwhile, Ivy Lacsina also boosted Akari, contributing 14 points while adding six excellent receptions, a service ace, and a block.
“In the game, we just showed the potential of what we have. We did prepare well against Farm Fresh this week,” said Chargers head coach Taka Minowa.
The PVL will stage its final set of elimination games today, with the Creamline Cool Smashers taking on ZUS Coffee in the opener followed by PLDT versus Choco Mucho and Chery Tiggo against Petro Gazz.