Its power dimmed in Sets 3 and 4, Akari recharged in the decider, regaining control early, wobbling midway, but recovering in time to outlast ZUS Coffee in a tense 26-24, 25-21, 17-25, 17-25, 17-15 victory in the PVL On Tour Saturday night at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.
It was a see-saw battle that could’ve gone either way. The Chargers looked poised for a sweep after pulling off a pair of come-from-behind wins in the first two sets, only for the Thunderbelles to storm back with dominant performances in the third and fourth and threaten a reverse sweep.
But as in any tight volleyball duel, the fifth set ultimately favored the team with steadier nerves and mental fortitude. And the Chargers showed just that – grit, poise and the composure needed in the clutch – as they snapped a two-game slide and dealt the Thunderbelles a stinging defeat in their tournament debut.
While the match featured standout moments from various players, it was Grethcel Soltones who stood tallest. The seasoned open spiker turned in a vintage all-around performance, delivering 23 points in a scoring shootout with ZUS Coffee ace Jovelyn Gonzaga while also anchoring the Chargers’ floor defense with 11 excellent digs and nine solid receptions.
Soltones’ impact transcended the stat sheet. Her presence brought stability during Akari’s toughest stretches, especially when their game unraveled in Sets 3 and 4. More than her offense, it was her leadership and steadying voice that helped the Chargers regain focus in the decisive fifth.
“We lost our patience and communication in Sets 3 and 4 – we just couldn’t sustain it,” said Soltones in Filipino, reflecting on their mid-match slump. “But in Set 5, we focused on those aspects. I reminded the girls that we all need to be accountable and to play our roles.”
She added: “I’m so happy. We already lost two games, so kudos to my teammates and the coaches for the boost.”
Eli Soyud was another key figure for the Chargers, unloading eight of her 19 points in the final set alone. Her clever mix of power and placement helped Akari stay within reach during the frantic exchanges. She gave Akari match point at 14-13 before a quick attack by rookie AC Miner tied it once more.
ZUS Coffee, however, faltered in the endgame. A rare service error by Gonzaga and a wide attack from rookie Kate Santiago, a standout in their earlier surge, opened the door for Akari. After multiple missed chances, setter Kamille Cal shifted strategy and dished a quick reverse set to Ced Domingo, whose slide attack found the line despite slipping on her takeoff.
Santiago then tried to force a decider extension but misfired again, sending her hit wide. The Thunderbelles challenged for a block touch, but video replay confirmed the ball had sailed untouched – sealing the marathon two-hour, 21-minute victory for Akari.
The hard-fought win not only gave the Chargers a much-needed jolt in Pool B after their rough start in Vigan, Ilocos Sur but it also reaffirmed Soltones’ status as one of the league’s most reliable veterans, capable of leading both in the stat lines and in the intangibles.
Domingo chipped in 12 markers. Ivy Lacsina added nine, and Chenie Tagaod, Ezra Madrigal and Cal contributed six points apiece in a well-balanced Akari attack.
Gonzaga matched Soltones’ 23-point explosion to lead the Thunderbelles, while Chinnie Arroyo and Miner added 17 and 12 points, respectively. Chai Troncoso chipped in seven, Maika Ortiz had five, and Caroline Santos and setter Cloanne Mondonedo each tallied four points for ZUS Coffee.
