Akari's Eli Soyud extra motivated after Alas Pilipinas wishlist inclusion: ‘No one expected na nandun ako’

When the PNVF released its 33-player wishlist for Alas Pilipinas Women, many were surprised by the inclusion of several players—one of them being Eli Soyud.

The Akari Chargers opposite hitter admitted she didn’t expect to be on the list, but is now using it as motivation to prove her worth.

In fact, Soyud backed up that determination with a dominant performance, leading Akari to a thrilling five-set win over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 21-25, 16-14, in the semifinals of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Ynares Center.

The former Adamson standout exploded for a career-high 34 points, tallying 27 attacks and seven blocks in the crucial victory.

"Isang malaking achievement na mapunta dun sa wishlist ng Alas," Soyud told reporters after the match, "Siyempre, hindi din naman basta-basta ‘yung mga nandun eh, so parang sobrang nakakagulat din na nandun lalo na ako.”

“Pero ‘yun nga, isa siyang motivation pa rin na may patunayan kami na parang deserving kami dun,” she added.

Soyud may not be the first to come to mind for the national team and many could question her inclusion, but the Akari hitter is unbothered—choosing to let her performance speak for itself.

“Kahit naman sino nandun, lahat naman may masasabi. So, ako maglalaro lang ako para sa team ko na para maka-angat kami,” Soyud emphasized.

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Akari is now one step closer to reaching back-to-back Finals appearance after finishing second in the 2024 Reinforced Conference.

While the Alas inclusion is a big milestone in Soyud’s career, she remains focused on the task at hand with the Chargers as they prepare for the Creamline Cool Smashers on Tuesday, April 1 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

“‘Yung focus ko lang talaga ngayon is ‘yung PVL,” Soyud ended.