Showing both promise and problems, the Akari Power Chargers split their exhibition game series with the Ateneo Blue Eagles last August in Iloilo City and Bacolod City.
After almost two months of training under coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito, the Chargers made their first public appearance in the out-of-town matches.
It was a mixed bag for Akari, as their relative lack of chemistry showed that there are still issues to be addressed ahead of their Premier Volleyball League debut next month.
At the same time, the Chargers showed a lot of potential, with Trisha Genesis, Erika Raagas, Lycha Ebon, and Jaja Maraguinot delivering the goods for them.
In the first game, Ateneo walloped their older foes in the first set before hacking out a hard-earned 25-10, 25-17, 20-25, 22-25, 15-9 triumph at the University of San Agustin Gym in Iloilo City.
With De Brito urging them to bounce back, the Chargers retaliated with their own thrilling performance — a 25-27, 25-21, 23-25, 25-18, 15-12 fightback at The New La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City.
“We know how hard playing in the PVL will be,” De Brito told Akari Sports.
“But these guys are showing us how strong they are. So now, I keep on saying: We are on the way to do something good because they want it and because they are very resilient.”
