PVL: Akari’s Eli Soyud living up to ‘big challenge’
Akari’s Eli Soyud challenges Galeries’ defense in Game 1 of their best-of-three PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals series.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Eli Soyud has been repaying Akari’s trust with her consistent scoring as the Chargers moved a win closer to another semifinal run in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Akari proved that its previous finals run in the Reinforced Conference wasn’t carried by import Oly Okaro, as Soyud continued to fill in her big shoes, conspiring with Ivy Lacsina to survive Galeries Tower, 21-25, 25-19, 20-25, 25-16, 15-11, in Game 1 of their best-of-three quarterfinals on Saturday at Philsports Arena.
“It’s definitely a big challenge for me. Coach always mentions how much we lost when Oly got injured during the Reinforced Conference. I just need to stay consistent and help out—if I can’t get the points, I’ll contribute with blocks and defense,” said Soyud in Filipino after dropping 19 points off 18 kills and an ace.
READ: PVL: Akari survives Galeries for quarterfinals headstart
Akari coach Taka Minowa, Eli Soyud, and Ivy Lacsina after taking Game 1. #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/VuoMVPqtM7
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 15, 2025
Coach Taka Minowa’s trust brings out the best in the veteran opposite spiker.
“What keeps me going is the trust Coach Taka has in me and the advice the coaches give. I’m also really happy and thankful for the opportunities Coach Taka has given me, and I’m grateful I can fulfill my role on the team,” she said.
Besides Minowa’s motivation, the former Adamson hitter also drew strength from her teammates, who always allow her to play her game.
READ: PVL: As playoffs get going, Akari starts trek back to finals
“I just stuck to Coach Taka’s system, and, of course, the trust of my teammates. They told me, ‘Go ahead, hit the ball, we’ll cover for you.’ That really boosted my confidence — just go for it because I know they’ve got my back,” she said.
“Ivy mentioned that when we huddle, we always say, ‘This is ours, we’ll win this.’ Our training was really intense and it showed in today’s game.”
Soyud and the Chargers seek to close out the series in Game 2 on Thursday at Philsports Arena.
