AKARI underlined its title credentials in the 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference with a 21-25, 25-20, 27-25, 19-25, 15-8 win over F2 Logistics on Tuesday in the two teams' debut at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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Trisha Genesis shone brightest among the Chargers with 13 points on 10 attacks and three aces in a fiecely fought game that ended when Fifi Sharma's serve dropped in the open space between two F2 Logistics receivers.
“It’s always hard to play against F2 since they always play hard,” Akari coach Jorge Souza de Brito said.
“Unfortunately in the last conference, we didn’t play each other. But these guys today, they gave it their all to execute. There’s a lot to improve on but we’re on the way and it’s good because everyone is involved,” he added.
Faith Nisperos’ usual attacking exploits took center stage alongside Fifi Sharma, who had herself a PVL debut to remember with 13 points on top of five blocks while delivering the game's last two points, including the game-winning ace.
Kianna Dy sat out due to a right knee injury and her spot was ably filled by Ivy Lacsina, whose game-high 26-point output still wasn’t enough for the win.
After winning the conference’s first five-setter, Akari looks to go two-for-two over in a 5 p.m. game against Chery Tiggo at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Tuesday.
The Cargo Movers look to pick up the pieces with a game against Akari’s sister club NXLED in a week’s time.
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