By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Akari Power Chargers battled back from a set down to eliminate the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 19-25, 25-20, 16-25, 25-20, 15-12, in Game 2 of the PVL 2nd All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday night, March 20.
Christine Joy “Eli” Soyud finished with 20 points, on 18 attacks, one block and a service ace, to be named Player of the Game as the Power Chargers wrapped up the best-of-three series at 2-0.
“Ang nasa isip namin is hindi siya ibibigay ng ganun kadali ng Galeries Tower. Nakita niyo naman kung gaano kami kahirap pumuntos sa Galeries. Kudos din sa kanila [dahil] sobrang hirap ng laban na ito,” Soyud said in a post-game interview.
“Sobrang proud ako sa teammates ko kasi walang nag-give up. Lahat alam kung ano ang gagawin. Lahat madaling naka-adjust. Walang tumigil,” the Negros Occidental’s La Carlota City-native volleybelle added.
With the score tied at 11-all late in the fifth set, the Power Chargers took a 13-11 lead on back-to-back powerful hits from Gretchel Soltones, but the Highrisers responded with a connection from Jewel Encarnacion to cut the deficit to 12-13.
However, the Galeries were unable to force another tie after committing a costly error.
Faith Nisperos then wrapped up the come-from-behind victory with a powerful attack.
Nisperos contributed 15 markers, including 14 attacks, while Soltones ended with 13 points for the Power Chargers, which lost Mereophe Sharma early in the first quarter due to an injury.
Encarnacion tallied a career-high 21 points to lead the Highrisers.
France Ronquillo added 16 markers, while Roselle Baliton and Ysabel Jimenez contributed 14 and 10 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans ousted the PLDT High Speed Hitters with a tight 25-15, 12-25, 25-23, 21-25, 15-13 victory in Game 2 of their separate quarterfinal series.
Marionne Alba stood out with 22 excellent sets and seven points for the Flying Titans, which secured their place in the single-robin semifinals round by sweeping the best-of-three quarterfinals series at 2-0./ASC, WDJ