PVL: Akari overcomes shorthanded F2 Logistics

Akari’s Dindin Manabat.–PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Faith Nisperos joined hands with their newcomers as Akari pounced on depleted F2 Logistics in five sets, 21-25, 25-20, 27-25, 19-25, 15-8, to start its 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference campaign on a high note on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Manabat and Nisperos unleashed 19 and 18 points, respectively, to lead the Chargers’ collective effort and survive the Cargo Movers, who missed injured players Kianna Dy, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, and Jovelyn Fernandez, in a thrilling two hour and 33-minute duel.

“I could say that we showed our team spirit and teamwork. I’m really proud of what we achieved today because today is just a testament to weeks and months of our work and hardships,” said Nisperos in Filipino.

Trisha Genesis also stepped up with 13 points, 15 digs, and nine excellent receptions, giving Akari a 13-6 lead in the fifth set before the debuting Fifi Sharma nailed a big block on Myla Pablo to reach match point and drilled the match-winning ace.

Sharma, who decided to forgo her remaining playing year with La Salle, haunted her former teammates and senior Lady Spikers with 13 points, highlighted by five blocks, in her first-ever pro game.

“I’m just overall happy with the results because it was evidently a collaborated effort so it makes the win more satisfying. I’m just really happy because we got the win,” said the rookie middle blocker.

Middle Blocker Ezra Madrigal also shone with 14 points after providing seven of the team’s 15 blocks, while rookie libero Justine Jazareno debuted with 12 receptions, helping Bang Pineda, who had 11 digs.

Akari’s Faith Nisperos.–PVL PHOTO

“It’s always hard to play against F2. They always play hard and they know each other. Unfortunately, their players didn’t play. But these guys, they gave their all. There’s a lot to improve but we’re on the way,” said Akari coach Jorge Souza de Brito ahead of their next game against PLDT on Thursday at FilOil EcoOil Centre.

F2 Logisticics leaned on Ivy Lacsina, who tallied her career-best 26 points built on 22 attacks, three blocks, and an ace.

The Cargo Movers fought back from a 22-24 deficit in the fourth behind Lacsina’s clutch hits but Nisperos and Manabat came to the Chargers’ rescue.

Lacsina, with the help of Myla Pablo, who had 12 points and 16 digs, forced a decider but only to drop their opening game.

Cargo Movers coach Regine Diego said Catindig, who missed the game due to a shoulder injury, is expected to return against Akari’s sister team Nxled on October 24 at Ynares Center Antipolo, while Dy is still nursing a knee injury and her comeback is still uncertain.