AKARI played by committee in beating Choco Mucho, 27-25, 27-25, 21-25, 25-22, in the Premier Volleyball League On Tour on Saturday night at the Polomolok Municipal Gymnasium in South Cotabato.
Everyone did their share for the Chargers in securing the win even without national team stalwarts Fifi Sharma and libero Justine Jazareno.
“Lahat nag-contribute,” said Akari coach Tina Salak. “Considering yung Alas players natin wala, so lahat nagsipag even yung mga bago nag-fill in na rin sila Risa (Sato), Shar (Ancheta).”
“Yun lang naman yung hinahabol namin magkaroon ng magandang exposure yung team, magkaroon ng chemistry, mabuo kami as a team. Maganda itong part ng On Tour na nakikilala namin ang isa’t isa playing inside the court,” she added.
Playing in front of her father and brother, who traveled from Tagum City, Chenie Tagaod put up a show for the Chargers. The former Far Eastern University standout finished with 19 points built on 11-of-26 kills, six blocks, and two service aces.
Ivy Lacsina had 14 points and 13 receptions, while Grethcel Soltones, back in her spiker position, scored 10 points and collected 13 digs.
Substitute Faith Nisperos chipped in nine points, Jam Villena tallied four of her seven points from blocks, and Mary Rhose Dapol fired two service aces to finish with five points.
Kamille Cal also had two service aces and tossed in 13 excellent sets while Judith Abil took the starting libero position and logged 12 digs. Sato, Akari’s off-season signee, added three points.
Another off-season acquisition, Tin Tiamzon, who traces her roots from nearby Koronadal City, contributed two points in her homecoming.
The Chargers rebounded from a third set loss with a strong effort late in the fourth, with Soltones and Tagaod delivering the finishing touches to deny the Flying Titans of forcing a decider.
Akari will be in Lanao del Norte on August 15 to play against PLDT to cap its On Tour stint.
