Akari head coach Tina Salak praised her team’s composure and growing chemistry after completing their first straight-sets win in the PVL Reinforced Conference against Galeries Tower.
Akari finally had a match in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference where they did not drop a set.
The Chargers rediscovered their winning rhythm after sweeping the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 25-11, 25-23, 25-23, at the FilOil EcoOil Arena on Tuesday, October 28.
Head coach Tina Salak shared that Akari’s focus entering the match was not just to win, but to execute cleaner volleyball after an up-and-down start to the tournament.
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“‘Yun naman talaga ‘yung goal namin e, ‘yung ma-sweep ‘yung lahat ng games namin, but still we have to work on ‘yung mga attitude namin towards sa game, attitude din namin within our teammates,” Salak said during the post-game press conference.
“Mahirap pa kasi ngayon i-align lahat because meron kaming binabago sa sistema, so very fortunate ako na si Mars [Alba] ‘yung setter namin. Nakukuha kasi niya ngayon ‘yung adjustment namin na ginagawa.”
Fighting back from a tough stretch
The Highrisers looked poised to extend the match after leading 15-9 and 23-19 in the third set, but the Chargers showed grit, storming back with six straight points led by Grethcel Soltones to complete the sweep.
“Malaking advantage sa character kasi alam natin na hindi matatapos ‘yung game na gano’n na lang yung magiging result,” Salak explained. “Nakikita rin ‘yung character kung paano mag-hold ‘yung team sa situation na katulad kanina.”
Eyes on the next round
Currently with a 3-1 record, Akari sits tied with Petro Gazz for second in Pool B. And with a chance to secure a Top 3 spot, Salak knows the next phase will be even more crucial.
“Crucial ‘yung next round,” she said. “We have to be serious doon sa lahat ng mga adjustments namin.”
“Kailangan namin more on magkaroon pa ng advantage, kung saan kami makakakuha ng advantage doon sa mga films na papanoorin namin, against doon sa mga teams na nakalaban namin.”
Annie Mitchem and Eli Soyud led the way for Akari with 14 and 12 points, respectively, as the Chargers closed Pool B strong while the Highrisers finished winless at 0-5.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.