PVL: Grethcel Soltones, Akari still a work in progress

Akari Chargers’ Grethcel Soltones in her PVL All-Filipino debut. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Despite a losing debut with the Akari Chargers, Grethcel Soltones remained optimistic about the progress of her new squad in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

Soltones debuted in style for Akari with 14 points, 13 excellent receptions, and 12 digs but they started their campaign off the wrong foot, losing to Cignal, 25-21, 18-25, 12-25, 18-25, on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We talked after the first game. It’s not a bad game for us, we just fell short,” said the former PVL MVP in Filipino.

READ: SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024

“Our team still lacks patience because most of us are newcomers including myself.”

The do-it-all outside spiker shared that her teammates are willing to listen and make up for their mistakes amid the tough loss.

“We are all open to work on our lapses. We have to continue studying our system for us to work as a team,” Soltones said.

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

“We have to give our best every game. [As a veteran player], I have to deliver every game. That’s what I can promise, I will give my 100 percent,” she added.

The 28-year-old Soltones may be playing for a new team after four years with Petro Gazz but it wasn’t hard for her to unleash her true self inside the court.

“I have the same mindset, to play all out every game. There is nothing new with my role as you saw [from our last game] I was bringing good vibes and energy to the team, me and Mommy Dindin [Santiago-Manabat],” she said.

Reuniting with former teammates Bang Pineda and Ced Domingo makes the transition easier for Soltones.

“I’m happy to play with my teammates, who I am already familiar with. The support is there,” she said.

Soltones and the Chargers will face a tall order in their second game against the defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers on Thursday at Philsports Arena.