The Akari Chargers endure a heartbreaking four-set defeat at the hands of the Petro Gazz Angels, 18-25, 25-17, 22-25, 30-23, in the 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, Saturday.
After a seesaw battle in the first three sets, the Petro Gazz Angels looked to run away with the win as they led 24-21 in the fourth. However, Chargers skipper Mich Cobb and Dindin Manabat rallied Akari to extend the set before ultimately running out of gas late after two crucial errors that cost them the match.
Manabat spearheaded the attack for the Chargers with 26 points in 25 attacks and one block. Erika Raagas contributed 12 points and 10 excellent receptions, while Faith Nisperos had 11 markers.
Akari liberos Justine Jazareno and Bang Pineda also had a terrific game on defense with Jazareno posting 20 excellent recepetions and 13 excellent receptions. Pineda, on the other hand, tallied 15 excellent digs of her own.
On the flip side, Marian Buitre stepped up in the absence of Rem Palma as she erupted for 22 points composed of 16 attacks, four blocks, and two aces. Moreover, veterans Aiza Pontillas and Grethcel Soltones chipped in 19 and 18 points respectively.
With the loss, the Chargers bowed out of semifinals contention and will look to end the conference on a high note as they face the Creamline Cool Smashers on Thursday, November 30 at the PhilSports Arena.
Nxled falls to Cignal
In the first game, the Nxled Chameleons succumbed to the Cignal HD Spikers in straight sets, 17-25, 14-25, 14-25.
The Chameleons could not get their rhythm early in the opening set, and failed to recover in the next two as the HD Spikers continued to pound on the former to inch closer to a semis seat.
It was a rough day in the office for Nxled with no Chameleon barging into double digits in scoring. Lycha Ebon, May Luna, and Cams Victoria only scored six points apiece, while Jhoana Maraguinot had a subpar performance with just five markers.
For Cignal, the trio of Jovelyn Gonzaga, Vanie Gandler, and Roselyn Doria dealt damage to Nxled as they had 12 points each.
Even though they’re already eliminated, the Chameleons eye a sweet and winning finish in its first PVL conference when they lock horns with the Farm Fresh Foxies on December 2 in Iloilo City.
