Akari escapes Farm Fresh to reach PVL quarterfinals

MANILA, Philippines — After missing five games with Akari, Grethcel Soltones flaunted her form and helped her squad past the gutsy young Farm Fresh side, 25-11, 23-25, 18-25, 25-21, 15-9, to clinch a quarterfinal spot in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday.

Soltones backed up Ivy Lacsina's 22-point outing with her 14-point effort.

The former San Sebastian Colege-Recoletos standout made her return and led the charge for Akari late in the stretch of the fifth frame after widening the gap to five, 12-7, via a block and a through-the-block hit.

The Chargers committed an attack error, but Soltones retaliated and once more hammered a crosscourt kill, 13-8.

Alyssa Bertolano fought back for the Foxies, but Trisha Tubu's attack error gave Akari the match point advantage, 14-9.

Soltones jumped higher and fended off Tubu's spike, 15-9.

"Grethcel (is important) as a mentor, as a leader. She has a lot of experience with Akari. We need someone who is talking, especially when it's crucial," head coach Taka Minowa said.

Akari also had the help of Eli Soyud and Ezra Madrigal, who chipped in 14 and 10 points, respectively.

On Farm Fresh's side, Tubu made 23 points but it was not enough to conquer the Chargers.