The Akari Chargers remain undefeated in Pool B after escaping the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in five sets in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Down 0-2? No problem for the Akari Chargers.
Akari remains undefeated in Pool B after pulling off the reverse sweep against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 18-25, 16-25, 25-21, 25-23, 15-13, in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday, July 23.
Although the Chargers appeared to lack energy in the first and second sets, they seemingly found their groove in the third to keep their hopes alive in the match.
In the fourth set, the Flying Titans looked poised to complete the victory after starting off with a 10-4 lead. But American import Oly Okaro simply willed her team to the fifth and final set.
Riding on that momentum, Akari started strong in the decider, building a 3-0 lead, which Choco Mucho later erased behind import Zoi Faki and Royse Tubino.
The Flying Titans even took a two-point lead at 9-7 after Maddie Madayag’s running attack and Kamille Cal’s net touch.
With the two teams neck-and-neck at 12-11, the Chargers turned to Okaro and Ivy Lacsina to reach match point. Dindin Santiago-Manabat tried all she could to save her new team against her old one, scoring back-to-back hits to cut the deficit to just one.
But once again, Akari turned to Okaro who delivered the game-winning attack, giving the Chargers their second victory in the conference.
Okaro finished with a season-high 38 points on 33 attacks, two blocks, and three service aces. Grethcel Soltones proved her steady presence with 12 points and 13 excellent receptions, while Lacsina added 10 markers.
Santiago-Manabat paced the Flying Titans with 16 points. Faki and Tubino had 14 apiece in the loss.
Up next for the Chargers will be Petro Gazz Angels on Saturday, July 27 at 3:00 p.m., still at the PhilSports Arena. Choco Mucho will take on ZUS Coffee on the same day at 5:00 p.m.