By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Christine Joy Soyud delivered a strong performance to help lift the Akari Power Chargers past the Petro Gazz Angels in straight sets, 32-30, 25-22, 25-19, during their knockout match in the PVL On Tour at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday, August 5.
The Negrense volleybelle stepped up on offense with 15 points built on 14 attacks, playing a key role in powering Akari into the quarterfinals where they will face the Cignal HD Spikers on Thursday, August 7.
While Ivy Lacsina top-scored with 16 points — off 12 attacks, three blocks and one ace — it was Soyud’s steady presence and offensive contributions that provided balance for the Power Chargers’ attack.
Akari leaned on its collective effort, with Gretchel Soltones also chipping in 13 points to support the scoring trio.
“We’re happy to reach the quarterfinals because we really worked hard for this,” Lacsina said.
“Little by little, we’re seeing the system that Coach Tina [Salak] has implemented start to take shape,” she added.
Myla Pablo led the way with 15 points, while Nicole Tiamzon contributed for the Angels, who played without key players Brooke Van Sickle and MarJana Phillips due to their national team commitments with Alas Pilipinas.
Meanwhile, the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles pulled off their most dramatic win yet, rallying from a two-set deficit to defeat the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in five sets, 22-25, 20-25, 25-16, 25-17, 15-10.
The win secured the Thunderbelles the final quarterfinal berth in the pre-season tournament organized by Sports Vision.
It also marked their fourth five-set victory in the conference, but the first time they completed a reverse sweep after trailing 0-2.
Chinnie Arroyo led the Thunderbelles with 21 points, most of which came in the third set. Guimarasnon Jovelyn Gonzaga delivered another steady performance with 16 points and seven excellent digs.
Rookie AC Miner also made her presence felt with 14 points, including four blocks, while Fiola Ceballos and Kate Santiago chipped in 10 points each.
Cloanne Mondonedo orchestrated the offense with 22 excellent sets./ASC, WDJ