Akari stop 3-game slide at expense of Chery Tiggo

Akari’s Grethcel Soltones celebrates a point against Chery Tiggo in the PVL.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Akari snapped a three-game skid after downing Chery Tiggo, 22-25, 26-24, 25-18, 25-20, in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Tuesday night at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Chargers returned to their winning ways behind the trio of Grethcel Soltones, Fifi Sharma and Ivy Lacsina.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Ang mindset ko alam ko yung role ko na kailangan ko lang mag-receive and magandang depensa and sa points hindi ko na siya iniisip so every time may dadating na bola so ginagawan ko ng paraan pero yung role ko talaga sa team is magandang first ball and depensa sa likod,” Soltones said.

READ: PVL: Petro Gazz scores tough sweep over struggling Akari

Akari coach Taka Minowa, Grethcel Soltones, and Fifi Sharma on ending their three-game skid. #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/uqIPrfoAx3

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) December 10, 2024

Soltones recorded 22 points, 20 off attacks, Sharma showed her best game this conference with 16 points, half of which came from six blocks and two aces while Lacsina contributed 15 points, all but one from kills, apart from 10 excellent digs.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Just happy with the team’s performance today because we came from a three-game losing streak so this is a good test for the team kasi na-overcome namin yung fear of succumbing to losses so i am proud of the team as a whole kasi they overcame the fear of losing again,” Sharma said.

Setter Kamille Cal allowed Akari’s offense to work seamlessly with 15 excellent sets while also doing her part on the defensive end with five blocks.

READ: PVL: Farm Fresh sweeps Akari for first win

After opening this conference with back-to-back wins, the Chargers suffered three straight-set losses at the hands of Creamline, Farm Fresh and Petro Gazz, all straight sets defeats before finally snapping out of their slump.

Chery Tiggo dropped to a 3-2 record despite Cess Robles and Ara Galang coming away with 14 points apiece. Galang also had 12 excellent digs while Jen Nierva caught 18 excellent digs. Jas Nabor tossed 15 excellent sets.

Akari won’t play again until January 18 against PLDT while Chery Tiggo aims to bounce back before the long break when it goes up against Galeries on Saturday.