PVL: Ex-teammates Soltones, Alyssa Eroa duel in Akari win

Akari Chargers’ Grethcel Soltones in the PVL Reinforced Conference.–PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Former teammates Grethcel Soltones and Alyssa Eroa had a thrilling duel with Akari surviving gritty Galeries Tower to stay unbeaten in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.

Soltones came to the rescue for Akari when Galeries reached matchpoint, 14-12, nailing the equalizing hits before Oly Okaro ended the game with back-to-back wins for its sixth win, 23-25, 25-15, 25-16, 22-25, 18-16, on Saturday at Philsports Arena.

“I asked the ball from Cal. I told her that I’d cover for her and then give the ball to me. We trusted each other. No one hesitated to attack because we got each other’s back,” said Soltones in Filipino after tallying 13 points, 14 excellent receptions, and 11 digs.

READ: PVL: Unbeaten Akari survives Galeries to secure quarters slot

Soltones also relished her duel with former San Sebastian teammate Alyssa Eroa, whom she played in a couple of club teams including BaliPure, which won a PVL championship in 2017.

“We were taunting each other inside the court. But she’s really good. She dug a lot of attacks. But in the fifth set, I told myself that I can’t allow it,” said the do-it-all Charger.

Galeries Tower’s Alyssa Eroa.–PVL PHOTO

Eroa led Galeries’ gallant stand with 30 excellent receptions out of 39 and 21 digs before falling to a 0-6 record.

“It’s hard because she’s always making sure that the ball won’t go straight to me. In the last part of the game, she hit it so hard, making sure that I won’t get it,” said the Highrisers libero.

The former teammates had contrasting moods from their respective squads as Soltones reminded their team that they can’t be complacent despite being unbeaten in six games — the franchise’s best start in the PVL.

READ: PVL: Complacency last thing on Akari Chargers’ minds

“I told my team that we should always be ready and keep on working until we haven’t won that trophy. We haven’t proved anything yet so we have to double the effort,” said Soltones.

Eroa was thrilled with Galeries’ improvement despite their winless start, showing their valiant effort every game.

“We’re happy that Galeries’ defense is being recognized by other teams and fans,” she said. “Our defense really improved a lot. And we’re more mature this conference because when one commits a mistake, she’s ready to make up for it right away.”

The Galeries star player believes they need to be more consistent and execute the finishing touches in their remaining two games in round 2.