Grethcel Soltones delivered her trademark clutch spark to help the Akari Chargers eliminate the no. 1-seeded Farm Fresh Foxies in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals.
Gretchel Soltones made sure to remind everyone why she is a big-time performer.
Inserted early in the second set, Soltones delivered an instant spark off the bench as the eighth-seeded Akari Chargers pulled off a major upset in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals.
The veteran spiker contributed 10 points as Akari downed the top-ranked Farm Fresh Foxies in straight sets, 28-26, 30-28, 25-21, on Monday, November 24 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Coming off a subpar outing in Akari’s final preliminary match against Cignal, Soltones entered the court with a clear purpose.
“Siguro 'yung nasa isip ko that time na kailangan bumawi sa mga teammates ko kasi sobrang nagkulang ako last game,” she told One Sports. “Kung kailangan nila ako sa defense, doon ako mag-focus. So kung ano lang 'yung kailangan, ‘yung pinupunan ko.”
Chemistry over confidence
Despite facing a 7-1 Farm Fresh squad that entered the playoffs as a clear favorite, Soltones said Akari never relied on what records might indicate — only trust.
“Wala kami ‘yung ganun kakumpiyansa,” she explained. “Pero ‘yung tiwala namin sa isa’t-isa, nandun. Kanina ko lang na-feel na konting tingin lang, alam na namin agad yung gagawin namin.”
That connection showed in every tight sequence, especially in the first and second sets, where Akari outlasted Farm Fresh in extended frames to take full control of the match.
A payoff from painful lessons
The win sent Akari to the semifinals for the third straight time, while Farm Fresh’s dream run came to an abrupt end.
Gretchel Soltones and Ivy Lacsina during Akari's quarterfinal win over Farm Fresh. | Photo: PVL
Facing an up-and-coming team like the Foxies, Soltones also pointed to the Chargers’ playoff experience as a key factor in the match.
“Siguro ito yung past experience namin,” she said. “Dati, new team, new generation, mas bata ‘yung mga kasama ko. Pero na-practice namin na pag crucial point o crunch time, tinginan pa lang, alam na namin yung gagawin namin.”
The Chargers now await the winner of the Creamline-Petro Gazz for their semifinal matchup.
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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.