Akari's Eli Soyud in action. PVL Media Bureau
RODRIGUEZ, Rizal – Akari took the long route, but its destination remained the same.
The Chargers regrouped in crucial Set 5 to deny Zus Coffee's reverse sweep bid, 26-24, 25-21, 17-25, 17-25, 17-15, to barge into the win column of the PVL on Tour on Saturday at Ynares Center Montalban here.
Most Improved Player Eli Soyud took charge in the decider, firing seven points in that chapter alone to power Akari's five-set win.
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It was a back-and-forth thrilling match in the closing moments, as Zus Coffee continued what it has been doing all night—put up a fight against Akari, with Jov Gonzaga levelling the game at 13-apiece off a sharp spike.
Soyud then found her own kill to reach match point, 14-13, but AC Miner was there for the quick attack, knotting things up once more.
In the succeeding plays, Gonzaga and Chen Tagaod traded service errors for a 15-all count.
Ced Domingo was there to break the tie again, 16-15, with an off-the-block kill that saw her slip on her way down, as Kate Santiago's attack went out, marking Akari's first triumph in the preseason tournament.
Soyud, also the game captain, finished with 19 points done mostly on attacks, while Grethcel Soltones took much of the scoring load by listing 23 attack points, also adding 11 digs.
Domingo concluded with 12 markers, as libero Dani Ravena dished out 22 digs and 13 receptions for the Chargers' defense.
Meanwhile, Thunderbelles veteran Gonzaga paced the losing side with 23 points, Chinnie Arroyo registered 17 points, while Miner also breached twin-digit scoring with 12.
Akari eyes a second straight win on Sunday against Chery Tiggo, as Zus Coffee aims a bounce-back win over hapless Capital1 at the same game date.
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