The Akari Chargers made history by advancing to the finals for the first time in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference after a dramatic 25-22, 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, 17-15 victory against PLDT in the semifinals on Saturday.
With this win, Akari extended their unbeaten streak to 10 matches, securing their place in the championship round, where they will face either the seasoned Creamline or the formidable Cignal.
Oly Okaro, Akari's import player, was pivotal in the win, delivering 39 points through 35 attacks and four blocks, helping her team withstand a tough challenge from the PLDT High Speed Hitters.
The match turned intense when PLDT took a 2-1 set lead, with Lena Samoilenko leading them to a crucial third-set victory. However, Akari maintained their composure in the fourth set, with Okaro scoring consecutive kills and Ivy Lacsina delivering a decisive down-the-line hit to secure a 24-23 set point.
Although PLDT managed to tie the score again, Okaro and Lacsina's efforts forced a fifth set. In the final set, PLDT appeared to be in control with a match point at 14-13 but lost momentum after a net touch challenge was denied, allowing Akari to level the score at 14-all.
PLDT briefly regained the lead thanks to a swipe from Fiola Ceballos, but Akari's Grethcel Soltones fired back with two straight open attacks. Samoilenko's final back-row hit went into the net, sealing Akari's hard-fought victory.
No comments:
Post a Comment