PVL: Despite loss, Soltones proud of Akari’s ‘unexpected’ run

Akari Chargers’ Grethcel Soltones.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Grethcel Soltones remained proud of Akari’s unexpected run in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference despite getting swept by Creamline in the winner-take-all final amid the jeers from the crowd on Wednesday night.

Soltones had a tough outing receiving boos and falling short of winning what would have been Akari’s breakthrough title.

But Soltones felt she had nothing to be ashamed of as the setback won’t take away the team’s sudden rise from sixth place in the All-Filipino Conference to a silver medalist in the import-laden tournament.

“Sobrang happy kasi yung target namin as a team is [top] four, [top] five, so hindi namin talaga ito in-expect na aabot kami ng championship so super happy kami kahit anong mangyari. Kasi kahit naman nag-second kami, ang hirap pong pumunta dito sa totoo lang kasi ang daming magagaling din na teams,” said Soltones after the Chargers’ 15-25, 23-25, 17-25 loss in front of 8,289 fans at Philsports Arena.

“Kahit silver, ang silver hindi basta basta. So nakita niyo kami kanina nakangiti, pagpasok at paglabas ng dugout,” added Soltones, who had nine points, seven excellent receptions, and five digs.

READ: PVL: Jeered and booed Akari couldn’t handle crowd, admits Minowa

Grethcel Soltones on Akari’s first championship game, where they got booed by the fans. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Q4toaFPQvj

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 5, 2024

Soltones, who was awarded with one of the two best outside spikers, admitted that Creamline remained a tough team to beat behind Conference and Finals MVP Bernadeth Pons and Erica Staunton despite the Cool Smashers missing the trio of Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, and Jema Galanza.

“Kapag sinabi mong Creamline kasi matagal na sila, mas matagal na sila eh. Aminin natin mas matagal na silang magkakasama and also champion caliber talaga sila. Parang hindi kami nanghinayang, nandito na kami so talagang binigay na namin lahat,” she said.

Most of the Chargers were affected by the boos but the San Sebastian College product believed they tried their best to block out the noise, which makes her prouder of her team regardless of the result.

READ: Creamline on cloud 9 after beating Akari for PVL Reinforced crown

“I know na before tayo pumunta sa game bukas, marami at maraming mangyayaring hindi maganda. Pinrepare namin yung sarili namin and kahit naman ano pang gawin naming tama o mali, meron at meron pa ring masasabi yung bawat isa. Sabi ko kapit lang po sa isa’t isa kaya natin ‘to,” said Soltones. “Sa chat pa lang po nagcha-chat na kami na parang eto ‘yung isa sa instruments natin na isa sa pinakamaganda, ito ‘yung magpapatibay satin as a team.”

Embracing coach Taka Minowa’s Japanese system, Soltones vows a stronger and better Akari Chargers return in the All-Filipino Conference in November with their Alas Pilipinas players Faith Nisperos and Fifi Sharma back in tow.

“Sabi ni coach Taka sa amin na kailangan pa namin talagang mag-improve. Real talk talaga siya eh, masyado pang bata [yung team], yung confidence level namin as an individual, hindi pa ganun ka-intact,” said Soltones. “So kailangan daw namin i-enhance pa ‘yun, especially sa tactical namin kasi nga may pinapagawa siya sa amin na tactical especially sa Japanese style so ina-adapt pa namin nila Ivy (Lacsina.)”