By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Akari Power Chargers clawed back from a set down to defeat the Farm Fresh Foxies, 25-11, 23-25, 18-25, 25-21, 15-9, in the qualifying round of the PVL 2nd All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday night, March 4.

Negrense Christine Joy Soyud finished with 14 points, including 10 attacks, as the Power Chargers secured a spot in the quarterfinals round with their come-from-behind win.

Ivy Lacsina spearheaded the offense with 22 points, including 21 attacks and one block.

Gretchel Soltones and Camille Victoria contributed 11 and 10 markers, respectively, for Akari.

“Siguro ‘yung tiwala sa sistema ni coach Taka [Minowa] at tiwala din namin sa isa’t isa, and mas nag-stick din kami sa culture na binubuo namin,” Lacsina said in a post-game interview.

“Madami rin kaming pinagdaanan, kaya talagang super inilabas talaga namin ‘yung emosyon namin sa larong ito,” she said.

“Pang-boost din sa team namin itong panalo na ito,” she added.

Down 1-2 after three sets, the Power Chargers displayed a fierce offensive performance in the fourth set, led by Soltones, Lacsina and Celine Domingo, to force a fifth and deciding set.

The Power Chargers maintained their momentum early in the fifth set, establishing a 4-0 lead after a service ace by Michelle Cobb.

However, the Foxies fought back to equalize the score at 7-all for the final time.

Akari regained control, pulling ahead to 12-7 after three consecutive errors from the Foxies and back-to-back hits from Soltones before later sealing their victory with attacks from Lacsina and Soltones.

Meanwhile, the PLDT High Speed Hitters clawed back from a set down to defeat the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 20-25, 25-20, 25-20, 26-24.

Savannah Davison finished with 34 points, built on 32 attacks and two service aces, to be adjudged Player of the Game as the High Speed Hitters became the sixth team to enter the Round-of-8 of the tournament./ASC, WDJ