Eli Soyud has big shoes to fill for the Akari Chargers in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
In Akari’s two victories so far in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Eli Soyud has been delivering on the offensive end.
Putting up 21 points in the Chargers' opening-day victory against Galeries Tower, Soyud followed that up with 15 markers in the team’s four-set win over ZUS Coffee Wednesday night, Nov. 14.
For the 28-year-old opposite hitter, it is all about following Akari mentor Taka Minowa’s system and making the most out of every opportunity given to her.
"Ginagawa ko lang 'yung trabaho ko and then ‘yung game plan na laging ini-emphasize ni coach sa team meeting. Tini-take advantage ko lang din 'yung nandoon ako sa loob, kung ano 'yung maku-contribute ko sa team para manalo,” Soyud said during the post-game presser.
Soyud, along with fellow opposite spiker Faith Nisperos, has been filling in the huge void left by import Oly Okaro, who led Akari to its first-ever finals appearance in the league.
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The Chargers went undefeated in the elimination round before falling to Creamline in the championship stage.
"'Yun din 'yung naging challenge sa'min sa opposite ni coach Taka. Kasi ang laki noong role na ipi-fill in namin na position. Lalo grabe ‘yung naging impact ni Oly sa team,” said Soyud.
Eli Soyud is producing the numbers for Akari in its first two games in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
So far, Soyud has been getting the starting nod from Minowa, even earning the Japanese tactician’s praise.
"I haven't used Eli in the last conference because of Oly. Oly can hit in the back row, it's very strong. This time, it depends on the condition. If it's Eli doing well, I can trust [her]. Even Faith is doing good," Minowa explained.
"Faith is good at the back row and Eli is good at the front row. We need to maximize using Eli and Faith," he added.
Soyud will look to continue her strong outing against the Cool Smashers on Nov. 23 at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.
"Siyempre, 'yung mag-training kami ng sobra-sobra para sa preparation namin para sa kanila [Creamline],” said Soyud.
“Mag-stick lang kami sa game plan na pinu-provide ni coach Taka and ng mga coaches. Siyempre, kailangan ding mag-prepare mentally.”