Akari faces a tough challenge right in its first game as the Chargers face off with Cignal in the 2022 PVL Reinforced Conference Saturday at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.
Fresh off a more than three-month buildup for its professional debut, Akari looks to score an upset against the HD Spikers, who have been to the podium in the first two conferences of the PVL season.
The Chargers will be the only expansion squad in the nine-team field and will definitely sport one of the league’s youngest rosters. Nonetheless, coach Jorge de Brito expects his wards to mount a spirited fight against the veterans of Cignal.
Three-time Olympian Prisilla Rivera will be the biggest weapon in De Brito’s arsenal, as the Akari import’s power, skill and experience are game-changers in the Philippines.
The 37-year-old Rivera will get offensive support from Erika Raagas, Janine Marciano, and Trisha Genesis, while the likes of Bingle Landicho and Dani Ravena will provide floor defense.
On the other hand, the HD Spikers will bank on reinforcement Tai Bierria, and veterans Rachel Anne Daquis, Ces Molina, Riri Meneses, and Roselyn Doria among others.
