By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Akari Power Chargers recovered from a set down to defeat the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 21-25, 25-19, 20-25, 25-16, 15-11, in Game 1 of the PVL 2nd All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday, March 15.

Negrense Christine Joy Soyud recorded 19 points, built on 18 attacks and one service ace, to be named Player of the Game as the Power Chargers took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three quarterfinal series.

“Our mindset was simply to fight until the end since we were already in the fifth set,” Soyud stated after the game.

“We also maintained our composure during the crucial moments,” she added.

Ivy Lacsina led Akari’s offense with a season-high of 28 points, built on 22 attacks and six blocks, while Gretchel Soltones contributed 10 points.

Down 1-2 after three sets, the Power Chargers surged to a quick double-digit lead in the fourth set courtesy of the trio of Soyud, Lacsina and Soltones to send the game to a fifth and deciding set.

The match remained competitive midway through the fifth set, with Akari holding an 11-9 advantage before they sealed the come-from-behind victory with decisive hits from Soltones and Lacsina.

Jewel Encarnacion stood out for the Highrisers with 18 points.

France Ronquillo added 17 points, while Ysa Jimenez and Roselle Baliton contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans rallied back from two sets down to defeat the PLDT High Speed Hitters, 20-25, 19-25, 25-15, 25-20, 18-16, in Game 1 of their quarterfinals series.

Marionne Alba finished with 16 excellent sets, nine excellent digs and three points, on two attacks and one service ace, to be named Player of the Game as the Flying Titans took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

Cherry Rondina top-scored for the Flying Titans with 31 points, on 29 attacks and two service aces, to go with 15 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions, while Honey Royce Tubino and Maria Lina Molde added 20 and 11, respectively./ASC, WDJ