Akari Chargers celebrate a point against Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the PVL All-Filipino Conference bronze medal match. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Akari switched to chase mode after falling into a deep hole and turned back Choco Mucho, 24-26, 21-25, 25-15, 25-18, 15-11, on Tuesday night to gain advantage in its quest to reach the podium of the PVL All Filipino Conference.
Ivy Lacsina illuminated her team’s comeback trail, leading the Chargers’ resurgence in the last three sets in completing the amazing turnaround.
“We didn’t really get frustrated after we’re down by two sets. There’s no room for frustration today because my mindset is focused on winning this game,’’ said Lacsina after delivering 18 attacks out of 20 points apart from nine excellent digs.
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Eli Soyud was likewise instrumental after tallying 24 points and two aces, Grethcel Soltones finished with 15 punctuated by a nifty tip at match point and 26 receptions.
Michelle Cobb efficiently crafted their offense with 17 excellent sets while libero Justine Jazareno effectively guarded the Akari floor with 29 digs.
“We simply told ourselves that we have to get this game. That was our motivation after we fell behind by two sets,’’ said Jazareno.
Des Cheng sealed Choco Mucho’s advantage in Set 1 with an ace right after Akari’s attack error and prevailed in the second frame following Soyud’s service blunder at set point.
Akari Chargers’ Ivy Lacsina. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Down by two sets, the Chargers bounced back in the third set with a barrage of strikes at the onset before they got rewarded with a 23-14 lead on Sisi Rondina’s smash that went beyond the end line.
Jam Ferrer service error on the next sequence didn’t help Choco Mucho’s cause and Soyud struck a cross that capped a 6-1 windup for Akari.
Gaining enough confidence after snatching the third set, the Chargers again shone brightly as Lacsina contributed heavily in forcing the deciding frame.
READ: PVL: Ivy Lacsina continues stellar play for Akari
Lacsina scored on a smash off the block and a cleverly placed tip put the Flying Titans on the edge before Stephanie Bustrillo’s down-the-line rocket equalized the match.
Honey Royse Tubino had 19 points and Rondina added 18 for the Flying Titans, who squandered the opportunity to sweep their best-of-three encounter for the bronze medal on Thursday.
“If you lose games, the morale goes down. We just have to trust each other as players, as coaches and as a team,’’ said Akari coach Takayuki Minowa.
Lacsina didn’t leave her foot on the pedal, carrying the Chargers in the fifth set with aggressive plays at the net.
Soyud’s vigorous cross and another Rondina attack error put Akari on the verge and Grethcel Soltones ended the hopes of the Flying Titans with a push above the outstretched arms of three Choco Mucho defenders at match point.
