Akari edges closer to their first Premier Volleyball League title

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The Akari Chargers continued their unbeaten run in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, overcoming a resilient Farm Fresh Foxies team in a four-set battle to claim their place in the semifinals.

The Chargers secured a 17-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-23 victory at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Saturday, extending their winning streak to nine matches.

Despite a sluggish start where they dropped the first set, Akari quickly regrouped, demonstrating the form that has made them the top-seeded team throughout the conference.

This latest victory positions them within reach of a finals appearance, a significant achievement for a team that has not finished higher than seventh in their five-conference stint since 2022.

The Chargers faced a challenging moment in the fourth set when libero Dani Ravena suffered a right foot injury.

Akari was trailing 9-15 at the time, but the team’s fighting spirit shone through. Coach Taka Minowa made a key tactical decision by substituting Michelle Cobb and Joy Soyud for Oly Okaro and Kamille Cal.

Soyud made an immediate impact, helping Akari to rally and eventually secure the set and match.

Grethcel Soltones was instrumental in the Chargers’ victory, delivering crucial back-to-back kills to bring her team to match point.

After the game, Soltones emphasized the importance of staying composed and following the team’s system.

“Huwag masyadong mag-isip para maging smooth ang gagalawin sa court at follow the system,” Soltones said.

On her clutch performance, she added, “Pag gitgitan ang laban, hanap ka ng pwede mong kapitan.”

Coach Minowa praised his team’s resilience, acknowledging the pressure of the situation but commending the players for finding their rhythm after a tough first set.

“It was a team effort. We took some time and lost the first set. But from the second set onward, our players gradually found their groove,” Minowa said.

Oly Okaro and Soltones led Akari’s charge with 17 points each, while Ivy Lacsina and Camille Victoria contributed 12 and nine points, respectively.

Their combined efforts were crucial in overcoming the determined Foxies, who had taken the first set with a 12-1 run and posed a significant challenge throughout the match.

For Farm Fresh, Trisha Tubu led the scoring with 15 points, supported by Leny Murillo and Caitlyn Viray, who each added 12 points.

Despite their efforts, the Foxies were unable to maintain their early momentum, particularly in the fourth set, where Akari’s experience and depth ultimately made the difference.

With this victory, Akari advances to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the PLDT-Chery Tiggo matchup in a knockout phase on Thursday.

The championship showdown is scheduled for Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, where Akari hopes to continue their unbeaten streak and secure their first-ever title.