By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Negrense Christine Joy Soyud came through in crucial moments as the Akari Power Chargers staged a gritty comeback to outlast the Cignal Super Spikers, 25-23, 20-25, 11-25, 25-23, 15-12, in the PVL All-Filipino Conference at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan City on Saturday, February 28.
Soyud finished with 14 points, including a crucial net-grazing hit in the deciding fifth set that helped Akari seize control during a tense stretch and notch their second consecutive win for a 2-3 win-loss slate.
With the fifth set tied at eight, Akari leaned on its core players, including Soyud, who responded with aggressive play at the net to help the Chargers build separation.
Her clutch contribution complemented Akari’s strong net defense, which proved decisive down the stretch.
Ivy Lacsina led the Chargers with 20 points, Mereophe Sharma and Celine Domingo added 16 and 14 markers, respectively, while Grethcel Soltones sealed the victory with a well-placed power tip.
“It was a challenge for us as a team, so we picked ourselves up after that Set 3 loss,” Sharma said.
“Unti-unti nakukuha na namin. This was the game that proved we can bounce back even after a very bad set,” she added.
The Super Spikers were led by Erika Santos and Vanie Gandler, who scored 23 points each, but Cignal faltered in its first five-set match of the conference despite pushing Akari to the limit.
Meanwhile, the PLDT High Speed Hitters bounced back from their recent defeat with a 25-23, 25-23, 25-13 sweep over the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles.
Kim Kianna Dy played a key role in the victory and earned Best Player of the Game honors after finishing with 16 points as the High Speed Hitters improved to a 4-1 record.
“Coming off a loss, we knew we had to respond. We had to step up and bounce back — and I think it showed today,” Dy said in a post-game interview.
“We gave our best,” she added.
Savi Davison led PLDT with a match-high 17 points, while Alleiah Malaluan added seven markers.
Jessey de Leon contributed six points off the bench, and Mika Reyes chipped in five./ASC, WDJ