PVL: Akari stops skid, fends off Gerflor
Akari Chargers. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Faith Nisperos and Dindin Santiago-Manabat led Akari past the gritty Gerflor in five sets, 25-20, 22-25, 27-25, 25-27, 15-12, to end its Pool A campaign on a winning note in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.
Nisperos showed the way for the Chargers with 18 points, nailing 17 kills and a block on top of 14 digs and six excellent receptions, while Manabat also shone with 17 points off 14 attacks and three blocks to halt a three-game skid in the pool phase.
“It was hard for us because we came from three losses. What we did was we really committed that whatever happens, we have to win,” said Nisperos. I’m really glad that we helped each other n to get that win. Of course, there’s more polishing to do. But I’m really happy we finally won a game.”
Akari finished fourth in Pool A and will likely face current Pool B’s No. 4 Petro Gazz (3-2) in the battle for ninth place on Thursday at 12 noon.
The Chargers survived despite giving up 39 errors as the Defenders committed four crucial miscues in the fifth set that allowed the former to escape in a two-hour and 49-minute match.
“It’s never easy when you get three losses in the past. There’s a lot of feelings coming but we did the job that we have to do. My request for them today is no matter if you play good or bad, we have to leave the court with the win,” said Akari coach Jorge Souza de Brito. “Of course, we have a lot to improve and we have a match in two days.”
“We are preparing for the next already. It’s time already to step on the physical training and try to bring the Akari to the top in the next one,” the Brazilian added.
Eli Soyud also stepped up for the Chargers with nine points. Ezra Madrigal and Janine Marciano added eight markers each, as setter Jaja Maraguinot celebrated her birthday, orchestrating their offense with 14 excellent sets on top of three points. Libero Bang Pineda had 16 digs and 12 excellent receptions.
Gerflor erased a 17-22 deficit in the fourth as Ranya Musa and Jannine Navarro capped their 5-0 run to tie the set but Janine Marciano restored the order for Akari and put her team at match point.
The Defenders saved two match points before Alyssa Bertolano’s down-the-line kill and Ivy Perez’s block on Marciano forced a decider.
Bertolano led the expansion PVL team with 14 points including two aces. Musa had 13 points, Navarro and Raprap Aguilar added nine markers apiece, and setter Perez scored seven including three blocks on top of 10 excellent sets.
Gerflor, which gave up 35 errors, lost all its four matches in Pool A and will face Foto in the battle for 11th place also on Thursday at 9:30 a.m.
