IN only her second-ever Premier Volleyball League (PVL) match, Akari import Oly Okaro etched her name in the history books right off the bat.
The 28-year-old American winger matched this season’s single-game scoring record of 38 points from Creamline’s Tots Carlos in the season-opening All-Filipino Conference last March.
By doing so, Okaro tied Carlos with the fifth-highest scoring output in the PVL’s seven-year history in a statement win over Choco Mucho on Tuesday to give Akari its first-ever 2-0 start to a conference.
Coincidentally, it was another Akari import who holds the highest-scoring output in PVL history when Prisilla Rivera dropped 44 points in another five-setter against the Flying Titans back in the 2022 Reinforced Conference.
Rounding up the top four is Banko Perlas’ Lakia Bright (41 points), Pocari Sweat’s Michelle Strizak (40) and Paymaya’s Tess Rountree (39).
As impressive as it may be, Okaro knows she could still do so much for the Chargers moving forward.
“I would say it’s nice. Fifth in the league. I probably could do better, so I’ll keep working to get better,” Okoro said.
Mental fortitude on point
If there’s one defining attribute Okaro has picked up from her Akari teammates, it’s the resounding mental toughness to defy and conquer any team who stands in their way.
“I would say that this Akari team has a very strong and passionate fighting attitude. Even though we’re down, collectively, we come together. We know that we don’t want to lose this game, at least not go down without a fight,” she shared.
“Our team is very strong in that sense, mentally. We know our team can get a little bit goofy, sometimes with a lot of dancing. Deep down, I would say the team is very cohesive and has the same goal in mind,” she added. “I guess that we’re not leaving (any game) without a fight.”
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