By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Despite a strong showing from Christine Joy Soyud, the Akari Power Chargers bowed out of the PVL On Tour after suffering a 25-20, 25-11, 28-26 defeat to the Cignal HD Spikers in their knockout quarterfinal match at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday, August 7.

Negrense Soyud led the way with 13 points for the Power Chargers, who failed to count on their veterans Gretchel Soltones and Ivy Lacsina, who were both limited to just four points each.

The Power Chargers had a chance to extend the match after forcing a 26-all deadlock in the third set through a Soltones attack.

But an Ernestine Tiamzon spike and a crosscourt kill from Erika Santos ended their hopes of a comeback and sealed Cignal’s sweep.

Santos was unstoppable throughout the match, scoring a team-high of 24 points built on 22 attacks, one block, and one ace in only her first playoff appearance with the HD Spikers.

“Nagpapasalamat lang ako sa tiwala ni coach [Ceseal ‘Shaq’ delos Santos] sa akin kahit na bago lang ako dito,” said Santos, who previously played for the De La Salle University Lady Spikers.

The win marked the HD Spikers’ return to the semifinals, a big step forward after falling short in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, where they were hit by the exit of stars Marivic Meneses and Frances Molina.

Meanwhile, the PLDT High Speed Hitters clinched the second semifinal berth after sweeping the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 25-21, 25-21, 25-19.

Fil-Canadian star Savannah Davison powered the High Speed Hitters with 28 points, while Jovielyn Prado added 10 markers.

Davison, who was reinserted into the starting unit by coach Rald Ricafort, seamlessly blended back into the system, providing the firepower and energy that helped neutralize ZUS Coffee’s previously surging attack.

“We worked so hard to be here, and we deserve to be in the Top 4,” Davison said.

“I’m glad it’s finally transpiring,” she added./ASC, WDJ