PAYBACK was served for PLDT with a bold 25-22, 25-16, 25-15 sweep of Akari in their 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference grudge match on Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
The Chargers proved no match to this version of the vengeance-seeking High Speed Hitters, who axed a two-game skid to begin the new year, improving to 4-2.
More importantly, they quelled the heartbreak they suffered at Akari’s hands in last year’s controversial Reinforced Conference semifinals.
Majoy Baron gave Akari a taste of its own medicine in the lopsided grudge match with 11 points on 61 percent attacking efficiency.
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After missing out on import-laden play last year, Savi Davison introduced herself to the brewing rivalry with 15 points and six receptions.
Akari felt the scoring void left by an ailing Grethcel Soltones in the grudge match as only Faith Nisperos managed to hit double figures with 11 points.
Ivy Lacsina, the Chargers’ leading scorer, was held to a conference-low six markers.
Closing old wounds
Entering the rematch with Akari, PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort bared how the team management made a quick disposition check on the players’ mental readiness.
One important piece of advice surfaced in that pre-game pep talk: stay focused.
“Tinanong kami kanina kung ano ang feeling ng players, kung may dagdag motivation o wala. Ang ni-remind lang sa kanila, kung anuman ‘yung extra na ‘yun, i-make sure lang na ‘yung focus hindi mawawala,” Ricafort said.
“Mas du’n talaga nakatuon ‘yung improvement namin sa task at hand.”
Baron, who played in last year’s controversial showdown, added: “Hindi ko naman dinadala kung ano ‘yung nangyari last year kasi iba naman ‘yung composition ng team ngayon. We’re just focused nga du’n sa task and we treat each game na same lang and level lang ‘yung emotions.”
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