Akari finally restores power, ends skid at Chery Tiggo's expense

December 11 ------ POWER has been restored for Akari. The Chargers’ three-game skid is over after outlasting Chery Tiggo, 22-25, 26-24, 25-18, 25-20, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena. 

Two weeks after straining her right hand, Grethcel Soltones regained full strength with 22 points, nine digs and seven receptions. Alas Pilipinas mainstay Fifi Sharma had her best game in pink with 16 markers. She also matched her best single-game defensive performance back in her La Salle days as she posted six blocks. Akari’s leading scorer Ivy Lacsina pitched in 15 points as setter Kamille Cal logged 15 excellent sets and five blocks. 

Back-to-back 14-point nights from Ara Galang and Cess Robles went for naught as the Crossovers absorbed their second defeat. Akari slumped to start the conference, dropping three straight defeats to defending champion Creamline, Farm Fresh and Petro Gazz without a single set win. Even amid a horror stretch, the Chargers refused to crumble under pressure and found a way back to form with a pivotal victory before the month-long holiday break. 

The silver lining in it all for the Chargers? Unearthing team problems this early before they worsen deep into the conference. “It's good na we uncovered these problems early on kasi mahirap na siya kapag sa huli pa kami mag-crumble or magkakaroon ng mga problema, so I mean good lang kasi nagpo-progress kami,” said Sharma. “There's no way to go but up du’n sa mga games namin previously kasi ang hinahangad talaga namin is mag-improve and mag-jell pa. This is a long conference and I’m just proud of the team for getting this win today.” 

Source: spin.ph