PVL: Same old Soltones hopes to bring zest, composure at Akari

Grethcel Soltones. Photo from Akari Chargers

MANILA, Philippines — Expect the same bubbly but all-out Grethcel Soltones with her new team Akari Chargers in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season.

After three seasons with Petro Gazz, Soltones found her new home, fortifying the wing spiker rotation of the Chargers composed of Faith Nisperos, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Trisha Genesis, Erika Raagas, and Eli Soyud.

“As I always say, I will give my 101 percent every game and I will be more smiling this time,” Soltones told reporters during Akari’s Friday practice at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

“I am always playful even with my past teams because I want to play happy but I am aware that there are times that you have to be serious in games so I maintain the balance. But most of the time I want to play happy,” she added.

Akari got a timely boost in acquiring Soltones after playing its best outing so far in the second All-Filipino Conference with a 5-6 record to finish seventh.

The 28-year-old former national team member is out to share her experience from winning PVL championships with Petro Gazz in the 2022 Reinforced Conference and with the defunct BaliPure in the 2017 Open Conference when she won the Finals MVP.

Soltones hopes to share her composure with her young teammates, especially fellow outside spiker Nisperos as she also learns from the sophomore.

“[I hope to share] my composure when it comes to tight games and I want my teammates to enjoy their movements inside the court because they’re a bit serious,” she said. “Faith always listens to me when I share my knowledge and experience as an ate and I also learn new things from her, especially the things I have to improve.”

Nisperos, who had a promising rookie season, is grateful to have the former three-time NCAA MVP out of San Sebastian College on her side. 

“It’s going to be beneficial for me because there’s someone I could ask for advice since we play the same position so we go through the same path,” said Nisperos.

Soltones is having a great time with her new teammates under a fresh system of Program Director Taka Minowa as she embarks on a journey to help Akari reach the semifinals for the first time.

“My big decision was because of coach Taka’s system. And so far, we’re doing ok even I am still adjusting because I want to improve everything I have,” she said. “I also know most of my teammates like mommy Din and Bang. They used to be my teammates and I am friendly so it’s not hard to get along with them.”