The Akari Chargers bucked a first set defeat to storm past the Galeries Tower Highrisers in their opening match in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Akari launched its 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference campaign on a solid note after toughing it out against Galeries Tower in four sets, 28-30, 25-15, 25-16, 25-23, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Saturday, Nov. 9.
After faltering in the first set, the Chargers found their groove in the subsequent sets to foil Julia Coronel’s debut for the Highrisers.
Leading 16-15 in the fourth set, Akari pulled away behind a 5-1 run courtesy of Faith Nisperos and Fifi Sharma, who returned to the team following their Alas Pilipinas duties.
Galeries Tower would not give up that easily though, countering that run with one of its own to pull to within one at 20-21.
However, in the end, Eli Soyud closed the game out with back-to-back kills to seal the Akari victory.
Grethcel Soltones led the Chargers with 16 points on 13 attacks, two blocks, and one service ace.
Akari will next face ZUS Coffee, while Galeries Tower will look to bounce back against Choco Mucho on Thursday, Nov. 14 at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.