By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Despite a stellar performance from Negrense Christine Joy Soyud, the Akari Power Chargers fell short against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 24-26, 25-23, 17-25, 26-24, 15-7, in an import-less opening day of the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal on Tuesday night, October 7.

Soyud powered Akari with 22 points built on 21 attacks and a block, keeping her team alive through three close sets before ZUS Coffee surged in the decider.

Chenie Tagaod and Celine Domingo added 12 and nine points, respectively, but the Chargers failed to sustain their momentum.

ZUS Coffee’s balanced offense proved decisive, led by Riza Nogales’ 15 points.

Jovelyn Gonzaga and Chinnie Arroyo added 14 apiece.

The Thunderbelles also drew solid efforts from Fiola Ceballos (13) and Kate Santiago (11) to pull off the two-hour, 32-minute marathon.

In the second game, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans spoiled the much-anticipated PVL debut of top rookie pick Mhicaela Belen, sweeping the Capital1 Solar Spikers, 33-31, 26-24, 25-23.

Kat Tolentino led Choco Mucho with 15 points on 13 attacks, two blocks and an ace.

Isa Molde and Maddie Madayag chipped in 14 and 13 markers, respectively.

Madayag also anchored the team’s net defense alongside libero Thang Ponce, who collected 16 digs and 11 receptions.

Meanwhile, Belen impressed in her first PVL outing with 20 points, including 19 attacks, while Leila Jane Cruz backed her up with 18.

All four teams played without their foreign reinforcements, as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation has yet to endorse the International Transfer Certificates required for imports to see action./ASC, WDJ