AKARI tasted consecutive conference-opening wins for the very first time following a five-set comeback over Choco Mucho, 18-25, 16-25, 25-21, 25-23, 15-13, in Pool B of the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.
Since joining the PVL in 2022, the Chargers have never went 2-0 to start any of its five prior league campaigns.
But against the league’s back-to-back runners-up, Akari underlined its title credentials through American import Oly Okaro, who tied the season’s scoring record with 38 points on 33 attacks, three aces and two blocks.
Okaro's 38-piece now ranks joint-fifth alongside Creamline's Tots Carlos in the PVL's best all-time single-game scoring performances.
“I’m definitely very excited and very proud of how I performed. I know there’s also things that I didn’t do very well and that’s something I’m gonna work on more. I just came ready to fight. I knew that there’s no way I’m leaving without fighting, as well as the rest of the team. We all have that same idea in mind,” Okari said.
“I would say it’s nice. Fifth in the league (in single-game scoring). I probably could do better, so I’ll keep working to get better.”
Grethcel Soltones' 12 points, 13 receptions and nine digs, and Ivy Lacsina's 10 points and 12 receptions made sure Okaro's record night won't go to waste.
Newest Charger Kamille Cal stepped up big in the statement victory with 22 excellent sets and four markers.
Dindin Santiago-Manabat’s first match against her former team didn’t go quite as planned, though she finished with a team-high 16 points.
Royse Tubino and Zoi Faki added 14 points apiece for the Flying Titans but it wasn't enough as they dropped to 0-2.
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