Photo from: PVL
The Akari Chargers are quarterfinal-bound, joining sister team Nxled in the next phase of the PVL on Tour.
In a gutsy all-around performance, the Chargers took down defending All-Filipino champion Petro Gazz Angels, 32–30, 25–22, 25–19, to clinch a quarterfinal berth in the PVL on Tour knockout round held Monday at the Philsports Arena.
With their season on the line, Akari came out sharp and focused. The first set was a marathon, with both teams refusing to budge. Tied at 30-all, Chen Tagaod rose to the occasion, unleashing back-to-back service aces to steal the opener for Akari.
That momentum carried over into the next two sets, where the Chargers kept Petro Gazz at bay with better coverage, sharper passing, and relentless energy.
Ivy Lacsina paced Akari with 16 points off 12 attacks, 3 blocks, and an ace. Eli Soyud, the league’s reigning Most Improved Player, delivered 15 points and added six excellent digs, holding her ground on both offense and defense, while Grethcel Soltones chipped in 13 points and also had six excellent digs, once again providing steady veteran presence on the floor.
Bea Bonafe, in her first-ever PVL start, made the most of the opportunity with 14 excellent sets and one point, setting the tone as the team’s main playmaker.
Off the bench, Tagaod played the role of closer, firing crucial aces at the end of the first and third sets that helped slam the door on the Angels’ chances.
The loss eliminated Petro Gazz from the tournament, a tough blow for the reigning champions who failed to recover after dropping the extended opening set. Despite showing signs of life, the Angels couldn’t keep up with Akari’s hunger and energy.
With momentum on their side and contributions from all fronts, Akari advances to the quarterfinals to face the Cignal HD Spikers, with the Chargers peaking at just the right time.
