MANILA – Akari Power Chargers battled back from the brink of defeat to stun Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 22-25, 16-14 in the single-round robin semifinals of the PVL 2nd All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Negrense Christine Joy Soyud shone brightly with 34 points, built on 27 attacks and seven blocks, earning her the title of Player of the Game for the Power Chargers, who now lead the semifinals with a 1-0 record.
“I am extremely grateful to my teammates for their support in this match,” Soyud expressed after the game. “We always rely on each other; when we make mistakes, we just look at one another and remind ourselves not to give up.”
Celine Domingo also made her presence felt with 14 points, comprising 10 attacks, three blocks, and one service ace, while Faith Nisperos added 11 points for the Power Chargers.
Trailing 11-14 at the end of the fifth set, the Power Chargers managed to tie the score at 14-all courtesy of an attack error by Choco Mucho, a successful attack from Nisperos, and a block by Michelle Cobb.
The Power Chargers completed their comeback after an attack error by Flying Titans Cherry Rondina and a down-the-line hit from Nisperos.
“Our main priority for the next game is coverage, and we will return to our planning to address any shortcomings from this match,” Soyud stated.
Rondina led the Flying Titans with 29 points, while Honey Royce Tubino and Maria Lina Molde contributed 14 and 11 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, Petro Gazz Angels pulled off a surprising 25-23, 25-22, 21-25, 25-16 victory against Creamline Cool Smashers, which sustained their first-ever defeat this conference.
Negrense Jonah Sabete finished with 19 points, from 14 attacks and five blocks, to be named Player of the Game as the Angels tied the Power Chargers with a 1-0 win-loss slate./PN
