Grethcel Soltones knew the Akari Chargers badly needed a win in the PVL All-Filipino Conference—and she delivered just that against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers.
The Akari Chargers badly needed a win and Grethcel Soltones made sure to deliver just that.
Soltones led the Chargers past the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in four sets, 22-25, 26-24, 25-18, 25-20, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena on Tuesday, December 10.
The 29-year-old outside hitter scored a game-high 22 points on 20 attacks, one block, and one service, helping Akari end its three-game skid. She also had nine excellent digs and seven excellent receptions for a true all-around effort.
“Ang mindset ko 'yung parang alam ko 'yung role ko na kailangan ko lang mag-receive and magandang depensa. And sa points naman, parang hindi ko na siya iniisip, so every time na may dadating na bola, so ginagawan ko ng paraan,” Soltones said during the post-game press conference.
Soltones had been dealing with a hand injury, which forced her to miss the Chargers’ match against the Creamline Cool Smashers in Candon City last November 23.
After that, Soltones was back in action for Akari for the team's next games but didn’t have her usual power in her spikes.
And even against Chery Tiggo, Soltones admitted she has yet to be 100 percent. However, missing another match was something she wasn’t willing to do as the Chargers were enduring a three-game skid.
“Pinilit ko siyang ilaro talaga kasi alam ko naman sa sarili ko na papunta na ako sa 100 percent. 'Yun nga, parang ayaw ko din pabayaan 'yung team na kahit meron mag-step up parang gusto ko pa rin ilaban 'yung kung anong dapat ilaban,” the veteran spiker said.
Luckily for Soltones, she had help in the match as Fifi Sharma had a conference-high 16 points, while Ivy Lacsina contributed 15 markers.
Akari will now head into the Christmas break with a 3-3 record in fifth place. The Chargers will prepare for their match against the PLDT High Speed Hitters on January 18 still at the PhilSports Arena.
Ara Galang and Cess Robles led Chery Tiggo with 14 points each in the loss which snapped a two-game winning streak.
The Crossovers will look to get back on track on Saturday, December 14 as they face the Galeries Tower Highrisers at the same venue.