With the elimination round sweep completed, the Akari Chargers are one step closer to the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference title.
With her veteran leadership and attacking prowess, Grethcel Soltones has proven to be a valuable addition to the Akari Chargers squad full of young and talented players.
Soltones led the local scoring with 15 points, helping the Chargers complete the elimination round sweep by defeating the Farm Fresh Foxies in straight sets, 25-19, 25-22, 25-19.
But even with all the momentum on their side heading into the quarterfinals, the 28-year-old outside hitter wants her squad to remain focused on their goal.
“Sabi ko sa kanila ‘wag maging complacent. Hanggang wala pa kaming nahahawakan na dapat hawakan. So ayun, nire-remind ko lang ‘yung teammates ko everyday na we have to strive every training and we do everything in every training,” Soltones said during the post-game press conference.
Soltones, who’s had championship experience before joining Akari, knows that her squad shouldn’t settle on their 8-0 start.
“Para sa akin, parang etong 8-0 part lang talaga siya ng process eh. Hindi siya ‘yung talaga ‘yun na ‘yun. ‘Yun nga, sabi ko sa teammates ko in every huddle na etong ginagawa natin, eto ‘yung magdadala sa atin kung saan natin gusto pumunta pero kahit nag 8-0 tayo ngayon, wala pa ring kasiguraduhan,” Soltones emphasized.
“Kailangan talaga in every game, sinasabi ko sa kanila, mindset natin is mag-enjoy sa game and also bumawi agad. ‘Yun nga, ‘yung nire-remind ni coach Taka [Minowa] na maging kumbaga lahat ng tenchniques na pwedeng gawin, gawin kasi para mas mapadali ‘yung trabaho,” she added.
Looking ahead, if there are some things that Soltones wants her younger teammates to embrace during the playoffs, it’s only two things.
“Una maging matapang. Pangalawa ‘wag kumpyansa,” said Soltones.
Now that's the Lady Beast talking.
For now, Soltones and the rest of the Chargers will await their quarterfinals opponent, which will either be Farm Fresh or the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
[NEXT: PVL: Farm Fresh loss leaves quarterfinals door open for Choco Mucho in Reinforced Conference]