Akari finally enters PVL winning column after defeating Army

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Akari Power Chargers finally ended its slump in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference and notched their first-ever win after taking down the Army-Black Mamba, 25-18, 25-19, 23-25, 25-19, last February 21, 2023, held at the Philsports Arena.

After dropping its first three matches against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, and the Cignal HD Spikers, the youngest team in the tournament made the necessary adjustments and showed vast improvement against the veteran Army team.

The former national team outside hitter Dindin Santiago-Manabat showed the way for the young members of the Power Chargers after dominating with 23 points built from 20 successful attacks.

Aside from her superb offensive showcase, the newest member of Akari also provided some defensive lift and recorded two clean blocks and one service ace.

The elder sister of superstar Jaja Santiago immediately put her imprints in the game after head coach Jorge Souza de Brito went to the experienced spiker in their first offensive executions.

Akari made sure that Manabat will get early scoring touches that helped them clinch the lead midway through the first half.

Despite Army coming back in the third set courtesy of their balanced attack that caught the Power Chargers off guard, Manabat and the rest of the squad delivered the finishing blow in the fourth set.

“Well, congrats to my players for our first win. We keep on trying every single day to really train and I’m happy for them and I’m really grateful because we’re performing well,” said Akari’s head coach Souza de Brito.

Also playing huge for Akari was Chiara Permentilla who was all around the playing court, tallying 13 points, 10 excellent receptions, and eight successful digs.

Bang Pineda anchored Akari’s floor defense flawlessly after finishing the win with 19 excellent digs and 10 receptions.

The Power Chargers will have the chance to win their second-straight game when they square off with the PLDT High-Speed Hitters on February 28, 2023.