Oly Okaro and the Akari Chargers in the PVL Reinforced Conference. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Akari became one of the few teams who have completed a preliminary round sweep in the PVL after securing the top seed heading into the Reinforced Conference quarterfinals.
The trio of Oly Okaro, Grethcel Soltones and Ivy Lacsina jolted Farm Fresh, 25-19, 25-22, 25-19, on Tuesday to join Cignal and Creamline as one of the teams who achieved a perfect run in the elimination round.
The American reinforcement punched in 18 points from 16 attacks and a pair of blocks, Soltones delivered 15 points and Lacsina 14 points who were all craftily activated by setter Mich Cobb with 17 excellent sets.
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“In the game, we just showed the potential of what we have. We did prepare well against Farm Fresh this week,” coach Taka Minowa said.
The Chargers will still await their playoff partner between the Foxies, who have a 3-5 record at No. 8, and Choco Mucho, which still has a chance to enter the quarterfinals if it wins against PLDT in its last game.
“I told them not to be complacent until we achieve what we’re aiming for,” Soltones said. “I remind my teammates every day that we have to strive in every training session and give our best in everything we do.”
Yeny Murillo topscored for Farm Fresh with 14 points and Caitlin Viray 10 points as they await their fate later this week.
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There were no signs of the Farm Fresh crew who forced an upset against playoff-bound Capital1 in the previous game as Akari rushed to a 20-16 lead courtesy of cross-court kill from Okaro.
Soltones’ service error was the only point for the Foxies before the Chargers scored three straight points.
Murillo then sneaked in back-to-back points to keep her team within striking distance, but Lacsina converted through the block before Cobb landed a smart push in an open space for the win.