PVL: Akari closes in on prelims sweep, turns back Nxled

Akari Chargers’ Oly Okaro against Nxled Chameleons in the PVL Reinforced Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Akari moved just a win away from securing the top seed and sweeping the preliminary round of the PVL Reinforced Conference despite an opening set loss to sister team Nxled, 21-25, 25-19, 25-17, 25-18, on Thursday at PhilSports Arena.

Oly Okaro generated 30 points from 28 attacks, a block and an ace to keep the Chargers’ perfect 7-0 standing. Ivy Lacsina also poured in 19 points, 17 of which came from kills.

“As always, the first set is very weak and today, it happened again. We really need to fix it if we’re going to be a champion team because now we’re lucky,” coach Taka Minowa said.

READ: SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference second round

Even though his wards got past the defensive fort of Galeries Tower in five sets in their previous game, Minowa was frustrated with how tight the game was against the winless Highrisers, which is battling Cignal as of posting.

And they cannot have those slipups moving forward as they meet gritty Farm Fresh to cap off their preliminary assignments ahead of the knockout quarterfinals.

Akari Chargers’ Ivy Lacsina against Nxled Chargers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“Farm Fresh is a strong team for the next one so we really need to work on that, we need to start strong. I always believe in the player but for the being, I’m still confused about the play,” Minowa added.

Stepping in for starting setter Kamille Cal, who has a minor injury according to Minowa, Michelle Cobb delivered 18 excellent sets to keep Akari afloat and also made nine points like Grethcel Soltones.

Nxled dropped its sixth consecutive loss in seven games even with Meegan Hart finishing with 16 points built on 11 attacks and five blocks. Chiara Permentilla helped with 11 points.

READ: Akari import Oly Okaro’s offensive exploits lighting up PVL

Jaja Maraguinot tossed 20 excellent sets for the Chameleons, who lost steam after surprising Akari in the opening frame.

The Chargers stormed to a 19-12 lead in the fourth frame before Cams Victoria, Okaro and Lacsina took turns piercing the defense of Nxled.

Lycha Ebon launched an attack error to the net to move Akari to match point which was also given away by Hart with another attack error.

“[There is] only one way if we’re going to stay on ranking one, we need more preparation time as a team. It’s okay to lose one set or two sets but we cannot lose [the game],” Minowa said.

“We just focus on the win and then also keep the good condition and the preparation for the quarterfinal. I do not expect anything for ranking one against ranking eight, it’s a very crucial game,” he added.