The Akari Chargers will proceed to the PVL on Tour quarterfinals. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA (UPDATED) – Akari toppled reigning PVL All-Filipino champion Petro Gazz in straight sets, 32-30, 25-22, 25-19, to punch a quarterfinal ticket in the PVL on Tour on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
This marked the Chargers' third consecutive playoff appearance, and the first under the Tina Salak era.
They will battle a redemption-seeking Cignal side in the next round.
The Chargers completed the task after a 5-0 finishing run, powered by "magic bunot" Chen Tagaod's stellar play, scoring Akari's last four of five points sparked by a through-the-block kill and firing three straight aces.
Grethcel Soltones then nailed the game-clinching hit on the corner, wrapping up the one-hour, forty-two minute volleyball action.
Petro Gazz went down but not without a fight, climbing from five points down 22-17 in the opening set and eventually forced a very long extended Set 1, tying at 24-all.
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Akari won in a battle of attrition in that frame, despite the Angels saving multiple set points, as Ivy Lacsina found the hits — one on Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, and another on Shiela Marie Pineda's hands — to claim that early lead.
While she took matters into her own hands, Lacsina credited playmaker Bea Bonafe for leading the team during those crucial moments, keeping them calm by talking to them.
"Especially po kay Bea [Bonafe], 'yung first set po na 'yun, it's more on Bea po. Kasi talagang grabe po 'yung pagsasalita niya sa amin, 'yung pagkausap niya sa amin, and tina-try niya po 'yung best niya na talagang ikalma yung game," said Lacsina.
The Adamson University product finished with 16 points on 12 attacks, three blocks, and one ace to go with six excellent receptions, headlining three Chargers in double-digit scoring.
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Eli Soyud, last season's Most Improved Player, followed with 15 points and six excellent digs, while Soltones chipped in 13 points and six excellent digs.
Bonafe, in her first start in her playing career, had 14 excellent sets and one point while pacing her team on the taraflex against the mighty Petro Gazz.
Fil-American standouts Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips on the sidelines. PVL Media Bureau
Meanwhile, it was an early exit for the Angels just months after winning an All-Filipino crown. Although, they were playing without Alas Pilipinas stars and Fil-Americans Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips, who are committed to national team duties.
Myla Pablo continued to banner the Petro Gazz offensive, listing 15 markers as well as eight excellent receptions.