Written by Akari Sports Staff | Photo: PVL
AKARI extended its winning run to four and posted its biggest victory in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference with a 25-21, 26-24, 17-25, 25-21 tripping of Creamline Thursday at the Playtime Filoil Centre.
Ivy Lacsina sustained her stellar play with 20 points and 17 receptions, while setter Mars Alba tossed in 18 excellent sets and collected 10 digs on top of three digs for the Chargers.
“I’m very proud sa dalawa. Even if nagsa-struggle kami sa very start, there is a reason kung bakit kami ngayon nandito, yung winning streak. Nai-inspire ang bawat isa sa amin sa training,” said coach Tina Salak, as Akari moved up to 4-3.
The win bolstered the Chargers’ hopes of securing a spot in the qualifying round, the easier way to the semifinals.
Eli Soyud and Grethcel Soltones were the other Akari players in double digits with 15 and 14 points, respectively, while libero
Justine Jazareno was at her usual best with 22 digs and eight receptions.
“It’s our communication. It’s all about our blocking, defense, and service, which we polish during training,” Jazareno said.
The Chargers also halted the Cool Smashers’ five-match surge.
“Sa akin, hindi ko po siya tini-take na ako lang po ang nagpi-peak. Yung buong team po kasi teamwork ang ginagawa lang namin,” said Lacsina.
The loss hit a snag on the Cool Smashers’ bid to move closer to advancing to the qualifying round. Creamline fell in a tie with idle Cignal at 5-2.
Jema Galanza led the Cool Smashers with 16 points, including two blocks and seven receptions, while Tots Carlos added 10 points. Bernadeth Pons only had eight points, missing double digits for the first time since returning to the Cool Smashers roster this conference.
Akari hopes to continue its surge against Galeries Tower on Tuesday at the San Juan arena.
