The Akari Chargers proved that they could succeed in the PVL without an import, taking the All-Filipino bronze medal with a masterful sweep of the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
For the second straight conference, the Akari Chargers have secured their seat in the podium.
Following their near-perfect run in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference where they won the silver medal, the Chargers now come up with a bronze in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference.
Akari clinched the third-place finish after sweeping the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 25-15, 26-24, 26-24, in Game 3 of their series at the PhilSports Arena on Saturday, April 12.
For Eli Soyud and Ivy Lacsina, who combined for 30 points, the victory was especially meaningful as it silenced doubters, who questioned the Chargers' capabilities without import Oly Okaro.
“Sobrang fulfilling nito, kasi sabi ni coach Taka [Minowa], ang daming nagsabi na nag-Finals lang kami dati dahil kay Oly,” Soyud shared during the post-game press conference.
“Isang malaking challenge talaga ‘yun para sa amin—punan ‘yung gap na naiwan niya, lalo na sa mga puntos na nabibigay niya noon sa team. Sobrang kayod lang talaga kami, at ‘yung tiwala ng coaches at teammates namin, nandiyan pa rin. Kaya sobrang saya na nandito kami ngayon,” she added.
[ALSO READ: Eli Soyud takes on huge challenge of fulfilling role left by import Oly Okaro in Akari]
Without Okaro, Akari overcame its preliminary-round struggles to reach the semifinals and secure the bronze medal.
Lacsina likewise shared the same sentiment, adding that the bronze finish was the sweetest payoff for everything the team had endured.
“Para sa amin, sobrang laking achievement nito,” Lacsina said. “Noong nakaraang taon nandiyan pa si Oly, pero ngayon, alam naming kailangan naming magdoble kayod.
“Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam, kasi lahat ng hirap, pagaaway, iyak, at dugo na binuhos namin, nagbunga. Ngayon, sobrang saya kami sa naging resulta.”
[ALSO READ: Emotional Ivy Lacsina relishes Akari's hard-fought PVL All-Filipino bronze medal]
Now, the Chargers can rest up and celebrate after the extended conference which lasted five months.