MANILA – Akari Power Chargers completed a 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference elimination round sweep with a dominant 25-19, 25-22, 25-19 victory over Farm Fresh Foxies on Tuesday night at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
Gretchel Soltones stepped up offensively to finish with 15 points to earn Player of the Game honors as the Power Chargers ended the preliminary round with a perfect 8-0 record.
“We didn’t expect this kind of performance,” Soltones said in a post-game interview. “Our only mindset was to trust coach Taka Minowa’s system and the newbies on the team.”
Oly Okaro led the way with 18 points, Ivy Lacsina contributed 14 points, and Celine Domingo and Michelle Cobb combined for eight points for Akari, which ended in seventh place last conference.
“We always strive to improve,” said Soltones. “As a veteran, I suggest not overthinking things so we can stay smooth in our gameplay. The most important thing is to follow the system.”
Yeny Murillo finished the match with 14 points, while Caitlyn Viray added 10 markers as the Foxies closed their elimination round campaign with a 3-5 win-loss card, still has a slim chance of making it to the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, Capital1 Solar Energy Solar Spikers bagged franchise’s first-ever PVL quarterfinals stint after a 25-13, 26-28, 25-22, 25-21 victory over Galeries Tower Highrisers.
Marina Tushova regained her offense as she finished with 35 points on 31 attacks, three aces, and a block to go with 19 excellent receptions as the Solar Spikers improved to a 5-3 win-loss slate.
Lourdes Clemente contributed 14 points on 11 spikes and three blocks, while Jorelle Singh ended with 10 markers as the Highrisers recovered from a stunning defeat to the Foxies last week.
Cignal HD Spikers will head to the quarterfinals with a three-game winning streak after sweeping NxLed Chameleons, 27-25, 25-20, 25-20. Venezuelan import MJ Perez led Cignal with 17 points, along with 10 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions./PN
