By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Akari Chargers finally clinched its first win of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference after blanking the Farm Fresh Foxies, 25-19, 25-15, 25-22, on March 5, 2024, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
After two close losses against the Creamline Cool Smashers and the Cignal HD Spikers, the Chargers learned their lesson and applied the much-needed adjustments during their game against Farm Fresh.
Veteran outside hitter and new off-season pickup Gretchel Soltones led the charge for Akari and dropped a team-high 16-point performance derived from 13 successful attacks.
The Chargers immediately went to their star after Soltones found her groove in the opening set, pummeling the Farm Fresh middle blockers with her unpredictable spike angles and smart drop balls.
It was all Akari in the first two sets as the franchise denied Farm Fresh from reaching the 20-point scoring mark with their tough middle blocking and tight floor coverage.
Despite not having star spiker Faith Nisperos due to illness, the Chargers still have enough firepower to dispose the Foxies.
Stepping up for the injured Nisperos was Eli Soyud who didn’t disappoint after contributing 14 big points built from 14 successful attacks.
When Farm Fresh made a run in the third and final set, the dynamic duo of Fifi Sharma and Michelle Cobb rose to the occasion and steered Akari in the final crucial stretch of the frame.
“Ang masasabi ko lang, credit to the players. Ginawa talaga nila yung game plan namin. Kung ano man yung napag-aralan namin sa Farm Fresh, nakita naman yung result,” said Akari head coach Raffy Mosuela.
Akari will look to extend its winning momentum on March 9, 2024, as it challenges the tough Petro Gazz Angels to be held at the FilOil EcoOil Arena.
