MANILA – Akari Power Chargers recovered from a set down to defeat their sister team, NxLed Chameleons, 21-25, 25-19, 25-17, 25-18, in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Thursday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Power Chargers struggled in the opening set but quickly found their rhythm and took the next three sets to improve their unblemished record to 7-0.
American import Oly Okaro delivered 30 points from 28 attacks, an ace, and a block, while Ivy Lacsina punished her former team as she tallied 19 markers for the Power Chargers.
“All the games, I think, are all the same. Ever since, the first set is very weak, and today it happened again. We really need to fix it if we’re going to be a championship team, because now we’re lucky,” said Akari head coach Taka Minowa.
Grethcel Soltones added nine points and 13 excellent digs; Camille Victoria also chipped in with seven markers; and captain Michelle Cobb contributed nine points and 18 excellent sets for Akari.
“Our team’s been through a lot in terms of challenges. It made me emotional to see that, despite all the challenges, we’re still here with the support from my teammates and coaches,” Cobb said.
American middle blocker Meegan Hart led the Chameleons with 16 points, including 11 attacks and five block kills, while Chiara Permentilla added 11 points. They dropped to 1-6.
Meanwhile, Cignal HD Spikers overcame a huge challenge from Galeries Tower Highrisers for a 23-25, 25-22, 26-28, 25-14, 15-11 victory.
Gel Cayuna dished out 31 excellent sets to go with eight points, built on four service aces, three blocks, and an attack, as the HD Spikers secured a quarterfinals seat with a 6-1 win-loss slate.
Farm Fresh Foxies, on the other hand, kept their slim quarterfinal hopes alive with a 25-17, 25-23, 25-20 victory over Capital1 Solar Energy Solar Spikers. Yeni Murillo top-scored for Farm Fresh with 15 points./PN
