Akari Chargers in the PVL Reinforced Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — The Akari Chargers remained hungry for more despite the 8-0 sweep of the preliminary round as the real battle awaits in the knockout quarterfinals of the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Grethcel Soltones may be happy with the perfect elimination round — a testament to Akari’s vast improvement under Japanese coach Taka Minowa and new players led by Ivy Lacsina — but she said the team is not contented as long as they have yet to win a trophy in the import-laden tournament.
“This 8-0, for me, is part of the process. This 8-0 is just a step to where we want to go but it didn’t assure us anything yet,” said Soltones in Filipino after scoring 15 points in their 25-19, 25-22, 25-19 win over Farm Fresh on Tuesday night at FilOIl EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference second round
“We have to keep working and enjoy every game. Coach Taka reminded us to keep applying and improving our techniques so our jobs will be easier.”
With the sweep, Akari joined Creamline and Cignal as the only PVL teams to sweep their way to the next round. Creamline has swept the elimination round thrice.
Team captain and setter Michell Cobb also knows that the Chargers have not achieved anything yet even with the unblemished record.
“I am so proud because this is what the franchise wants. But we have yet to achieve anything yet, we’re [trying] to get there,” said Cobb, who had 17 excellent sets on top of six points.
“It’s a great run for our team because we’re helping each other. We try not to make it a one-man show, we try to embody our respective roles. When somebody struggles, someone will step up. That has been the key for us and the leadership of the coaches.”
READ: Cobb lights way Akari should take in PVL: Keep on pushing
Akari will face either Farm Fresh or Choco Mucho in the knockout quarterfinals. With Soltones being one of the few players with Ced Domingo who have experienced playing in the PVL playoffs, she shares two key points in the Chargers’ first post-elimination appearance.
“First, we have to be brave. Second, we can’t be complacent,” said Soltones, who has been forming a potent combo with Lacsina and import Oly Okaro.
Cobb, for her part, urges the Chargers to stay hungry for more as they hope to go all the way with the franchise’s best start ever.
“We have to keep wanting it because we already worked hard to reach this far. All of us have a mindset that there’s no turning back. What is the point of turning back? Like how we prepared for this game, we will step it up a notch in the quarterfinals. We will keep pushing and all of our focus is in one direction,” she said.