Akari star spiker Ivy Lacsina. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Akari is now a win away from a semis berth in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.
This, as the Chargers outlasted Galeries, 21-25, 25-19, 20-25, 25-16, 15-11, in Game 1 of the best-of-three quarterfinals on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
It boiled down into a close deciding frame. However, the Chargers eventually took the triumph off a final 4-1 blitz from the 11-10 count in the last chapter, sealing the five-set win.
Middle blocker Fifi Sharma and outside spiker Ivy Lacsina both scored on attacks for two straight points, and a miscommunication from the Galeries side allowed the separation balloon to four, 14-10.
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Grethcel Soltones might have committed a service error to give a point to the Highrisers, but it didn't really matter as Lacsina was there to deal the killing blow — a through-the-block hit — to close out the contest which lasted two hours and 21 minutes.
Lacsina filled the stat sheet with 28 points on 22 attacks and six blocks including 12 excellent receptions, tying her career-high. Eli Soyud added 19 markers mostly made on spikes.
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Despite putting up a personal-best outing, Lacsina said credit goes to the whole team as the Chargers helped her boost her confidence.
"Team effort talaga siya," said the star spiker. "Kasi kanina parang sinasabihan ako ng teammates ko na 'paluin mo lang, paluin mo lang, 'wag kang matakot.' Siyempre dun din po nabu-boost ako."
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Hopes are not lost for Galeries, as the Highrisers still showed promise and even led two sets to one.
Young gun Jewel Encarnacion had 18 points, including 18 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs, while France Ronquillo chipped in 17 markers and 13 excellent receptions.
Akari goes for a quarters sweep in Game 2 on Thursday next week, March 20. First serve is at 6:30 p.m.
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