By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Akari Power Chargers recharged just in time to escape with a tense 25-23, 26-24, 14-25, 17-25, 17-15 victory over the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the PVL on Tour at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal on Saturday night, July 5.

Negrense Christine Joy Soyud rose to the occasion by unloading eight of her 19 points in the final set as the Power Chargers finally secured their first win in three games.

Soyud’s mix of power and finesse helped the Power Chargers stay afloat during the frantic exchanges in the fifth set, including a go-ahead hit for match point at 14-13.

ZUS Coffee rookie AC Miner briefly tied the game at 14 with a quick attack, but costly errors from Jovelyn Gonzaga and Kate Santiago in the clutch undid their comeback.

Gretchel Soltones turned in a vintage all-around effort with 23 points, 11 excellent digs and nine receptions.

Celine Domingo finished with 12 points and Ivy Lacsina added nine for Akari.

“I’m so happy. We already lost two games. So kudos to my teammates and the coaches for the boost,” Soltones told the media in a post-game interview.

“We lost our patience and communication in Sets 3 and 4. We just couldn’t sustain it,” she said.

“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.

Gonzaga finished with 23 points.

Chinnie Arroyo added 17 points while Alexa Miner chipped in 12 for the Thunderbelles./ASC, WDJ