After surviving PLDT in five grueling sets, Akari is now just one win away from completing one of the most improbable title runs in PVL history.
With their perfect conference on the line, Akari's Ivy Lacsina and Grethcel Soltones leaned on one another to spark the biggest win in the Chargers’ PVL franchise history.
It was one mission accomplished for Akari, with the Chargers winning a marathon five-setter over PLDT in the semifinals of the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
“Sinasabi ko kay Ivy [Lacsina], ikaw `yung crucial point, akong bahala sa depensa. Doon kami kumakapit sa isa`t-isa. I think `yun din `yung nagpa-fifth set,” Soltones told reporters in the aftermath of the win.
[ALSO READ: PVL semis: No. 1 Akari charges to first-ever Finals after frustrating PLDT in five sets]
Lacsina and Soltones joined forces to score 19 and 16 points, respectively, leading Akari’s local attack.
Their joint effort was crucial in helping import Oly Okaro, who had a 39-point outburst to lead the Chargers to the Finals, another first in franchise history.
Not only that, the no. 1 Akari team has now won 10 straight games and moved one win away from completing a perfect run in the import-laden conference.
Lacsina shared the same sentiments a Soltones, with Akari’s bond proving to be crucial as the Chargers have won three five-setters so far in the Reinforced Conference.
“Kinaya namin dahil sa coaches and sa teamwork din talaga. As in `yung kapit namin ni ate Gretch [Soltones] sa isa’t-isa, tinginan talaga kami,” she shared.
While the Chargers are on the verge of PVL history, Soltones admitted that a perfect Finals run was initially not on the cards for Akari this conference, who-retooled in the conference break and brought in the likes of Ivy, among others.
“Hindi namin ito in-expect na aabot kami ng semis kasi ang target lang namin is mag no. 6 or mag top-5,” Soltones said, as Akari’s previous best finish was 7th.
But now that the Chargers are ready to fight for the title, the team is expected to go for the jugular.
“Ang iniisip namin is magtrabaho lang kami. Kung ibigay samin yung [championship] ngayong season, bonus na lang `yon. Ang importante po nag all-out kami ngayong season.”