PVL: Akari mounts huge Set 3 comeback to complete sweep win vs. Capital1
The Chargers erased a 21-13 deficit in the final frame thanks to timely substitutions and endgame composure, improving to a 2-3 win-loss card while also denying the Solar Spikers (0-5) their breakthrough win.
Eli Soyud paced Akari with 12 points while middle blocker Ezra Madrigal and Grethcel Soltones chipped in 11 and nine markers apiece with the latter collecting 15 digs as well.
A regrouped Capital1 unleashed a hot 4-0 start in Set 3 before Rachel Austero unloaded a strong ace to make it a 21-12 cushion for the wards of Alas Women head coach Jorge de Brito.
But that didn't take the fight out of Akari with Soltones powering through from the left wing before Capital1's opposite spiker Syd Niegos went wide on her back row kill, pulling the Chargers to within three at 21-18.
Shola Alvarez would complete a combination play to bring life back to Capital1, 22-18. But Akari stayed composed with newly-subbed Steph Bustrillo providing the unlikely spark, knocking down the hammer from the opposite side before Soltones broke down the wall to tie things up at 22-all.
Kacey Galdones brought Capital to a 23-22 cushion, but Akari answered with three straight points capped by an ace from Kamille Cal and an error from Capital 1 to complete the comeback.
In the first game, Nxled had its franchise-best start after a hard-fought sweep victory over Galeries, 26-24, 25-23, 25-23.
EJ Cariño was at the forefront of offense with 16 points laced with nine receptions while Jovelyn Fernandez and Chiara Permentilla chipped in 14 and 13 markers apiece as they cruised to an impressive 3-0 card.
The Highrisers, meanwhile, fell to a winless 0-3 record.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
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