Ivy Lacsina led the Akari Chargers to a four-set victory over the Capital1 Solar Spikers, 25-18, 27-25, 22-25, and 25-14 in their PVL 2024 Reinforced Conference opener at the PhilSports Arena on Thursday.
Debuting for the Chargers, Lacsina spearheaded the attack with 20 points from attacks in Akari’s first win in the tournament.
American reinforcement Oly Okaro had a slow start to the game, but she eventually got got going, scoring 16 points including 14 attacks, one block, and one ace.
Dani Ravena and Grethcel Soltones connived for 30 out of Akari’s 46 excellent digs and 23 of the team’s 31 excellent receptions.
After a shocking loss in the third set, the Chargers regrouped and sent the Solar Spikerscrashing to secure the victory in the fourth set.
Capital1 made a brave stand despite falling behind 0-2 in the match, exchanging hits with Akari midway through the third set. Solar Spikers’ import Marina Tushova then took over late in the set to keep her squad alive.
The Chargers were well on their way to a straight-sets win after dominating the first frame and sucking the life out of the Solar Spikers in a nerve-wracking second set. However, the Solar Spikers showed resilience before eventually running out of steam in the fourth.
Tushova powered Capital1 with 20 points, while middle blocker Lourdes Clemente, Rovena Instrella, and rookie Leila Cruz added seven points apiece. Another rookie, Roma Mae Doromal, also performed well, tallying 13 excellent digs and seven excellent sets in the loss.
Akair looks to win two in a row in Pool B as they collide with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Tuesday, July 23 at the same venue.
