Akari finally broke through in the 2025 PVL On Tour with a hard-fought win against ZUS Coffee, escaping with a 26-24, 25-21, 17-25, 17-25, 17-15 victory on Saturday at the Ynares Center Montalban. The Chargers improved to 1-2 after suffering back-to-back losses to Cignal and Creamline, while the Thunderbelles opened their campaign at 0-1.
Grethcel Soltones led Akari with an impressive performance, nearly achieving a triple-double with 23 points, 11 digs, and nine receptions. She played a crucial role in the match, delivering a strong kill that gave Akari a slim 8-7 lead, followed by veteran Eli Soyud, who helped extend the lead with three consecutive points, including two attacks and a block on Chinnie Arroyo.
ZUS Coffee fought back, thanks to middle blocker Maika Ortiz, whose two consecutive blocks sparked a 3-0 run, leveling the score at 12-all. Akari initially clinched the match point, but an attack error from Chenie Tagaod tied the game at 15-all. Ced Domingo then completed a running play, and despite Kate Santiago’s wide shot on a combination play, Akari managed to secure the hard-fought victory.
In the earlier match, Chery Tiggo made a strong On Tour debut, overcoming a slow start to defeat Capital1 with a score of 20-25, 25-23, 25-12, 25-12. Cess Robles led the team with 17 points and nine digs, while rookies Baby Jyne Soreño and Renee Peñafiel contributed 15 and 11 points, respectively, keeping the Solar Spikers winless at 0-3.
