Akari triumphs over Galeries Tower to kick off PVL All-Filipino campaign

Akari began their title hunt after defeating Galeries Tower in four sets, 28-30, 25-15, 25-16, 25-23, making a victorious start in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Saturday, November 9, at the Philsports Arena.

Among the fueled Chargers, veteran hitter Eli Soyud tallied a game-high 21 points built on six blocks, including the game-winning hits in the fourth set that sealed the victory for the Akari team.

Returning player Faith Nisperos, Reinforced Conference Best Outside Spiker Grethcel Soltones, and Ivy Lacsina all scored 16 markers apiece.

After securing dominant wins in the second and third set, Galeries put up a fight in the fourth set. The latter kept the match close before making a desperate attempt that nearly sent Akari crumbling.

The Chargers managed to close the gap to four points with Nisperos breaking through Galeries' defense to take a 22–18 lead.

However, Galeries' upset bid was boosted by Andrea Marzan, who blocked Nisperos and Lacsina in quick succession before an Akari mistake reduced the margin to just one, 21–22.

Nisperos prevented the bleeding but Lacsina committed a net violation, negating the point. The Chargers subsequently reached match point, 24–22, when Soyud outplayed her opponents with an off-speed approach.

Ysa Jimenez, who had been outstanding for the Highrisers throughout the match, came through with an off-the-block hit to salvage a point. But Soyud came back with a flaming assault that gave Akari the victory.

Akari aims for a second-straight win when they face ZUS Coffee on November 14 at FilOil EcoOil Arena.