AKARI stood firm in the face of a late Capital1 comeback, pulling off a 25-18, 27-25, 22-25, 25-14 opening win in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
American reinforcement Oly Okaro delivered instant impact for the Chargers with 16 points built on 14 attacks, one block and one ace.
Even as the Solar Spikers made amends from a late Set 2 fold-up and went on to take the third set, Okaro & Co. had just enough left in the tank to keep Capital1 at bay and sealed the match through an 11-point Set 4 romp.
Lacsina ready to step into leadership role
Following a controversial sister-team swap between Akari and Nxled, ex-Chameleon Ivy Lacsina dazzled in her debut game as a Charger with a game-high 20 attack points.
Scoring aside, Lacsina also takes pride in embracing a leadership role off the bat for the semis-seeking Akari side.
“Inassign po ako ni coach Taka (Minowa) maging game captain. Kaya kahit may mga errors po akong na-cocommit, hindi ko po pwedeng ipakita sa mga teammates ko na naiinis ako or na-low morale ako. Kaya mindset ko po na kailangan kong mag-lead sa team,” Lacsina stated.
“Masaya rin po kasi kahit nasa season na kami, tina-try pa rin namin i-build ‘yung connection namin sa isa’t isa. Mas napapadali siya kasi madaling kausapin ‘yung mga teammates namin.”
Returning Akari libero Dani Ravena posted a conference-opening double-double on defense with 18 digs and 11 receptions.
Russian import Marina Tushova fired 20 points for the Solar Spikers who looked more competitive in their sophomore conference. Second-overall pick Leila Cruz, Shola Alvarez and Des Clemente aided her with seven apiece.
Rookie ace Roma Doromal filled the gaps for the Solar Spikers' defensive defeciencies with 13 digs and seven receptions, though it still wasn't enough as they still succumbed to a four-setter.
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