Written by Akari Sports Staff
AKARI brushed off a third-set defeat to repulse Nxled, 25-18, 25-23, 23-25, 25-22, and earn its first win Tuesday in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Playtime Filoil Centre.
Mars Alba was on point with 22 excellent sets and scored all of her five points from kills as the Chargers checked a three-match skid, while handing the Chameleons a second straight defeat after opening the tournament at 3-0.
“Hopefully, di ba, yung chemistry namin today, ma-carry over namin sa next games. Kasi alam naman natin na hindi naging maganda ang start. So may opportunity pa, marami pang chance para maayos namin lahat, at maging maganda ang result,” said Akari coach Tina Salak.
Alba’s all-around brilliance earned her Best Player of the Game honors.
“Tiwala lang sa isa’t isa,” said Alba. “We thanked the Lord because we couldn’t have done this on our own. We’re grateful to finally get a win and hopefully this continues.”
Ivy Lacsina hammered 20 kills and had 10 receptions to lead the Chargers, while Ced Domingo had two blocks and a service ace for a 17-point effort.
Akari also drew huge games from Eli Soyud, who scored 13 points, and Grethcel Soltones, who had a solid all-around outing of 12 points, 14 digs, and 10 receptions.
Up next for Akari is Cignal, which won over erstwhile unbeaten PLDT, 21-25, 19-25, 23-25, on Saturday.
Brooke Van Sickle led Nxled with 16 points, 13 digs, and seven receptions. Myla Pablo added 14 points, including two blocks, while
MJ Phillips, back after missing last Saturday’s four-set loss to Galeries Tower, was the other player in double digits with 12 points.
Nxled tries to arrest its losing skid versus Choco Mucho on Tuesday.
