Inspired Chargers take on red-hot PLDT
Akari continues its quest to keep its playoff hopes alive as the Chargers take on red-hot PLDT in the 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference Tuesday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The wards of coach Jorge de Brito are fresh off an inspiring victory over Army Black Mamba last week, with everyone — from top to bottom of the roster — contributing to the triumph.
But at eighth place with a 1-3 record, Akari is in danger of missing the playoffs for the second straight conference.
Their next four opponents — PLDT, Petro Gazz, Chery Tiggo and Creamline — are in the top five of the league.
De Brito and his crew have been hard at work the past week trying to solve the High Speed Hitters’ puzzle, and the Chargers’ service game, which is second in the PVL, will be key to unlocking possibilities for Akari.
It will be doubly hard, as PLDT is home to the country’s top libero in Kath Arado, and the High Speed Hitters are the top digging and top receiving team in the tournament.
Nonetheless, expect Mich Cobb, Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Bang Pineda to lead the attack for the Chargers once more, even as Janine Marciano, Chiara Permentilla and middle blockers Krich Macaslang and Ez Madrigal are tipped to contribute.
A loss would virtually eliminate Akari from making it to the semifinal round.
