PVL: Jazareno, Akari stars extra motivated after Alas invite
Akari’s Justine Jazareno during a PVL semifinal game against Choco Mucho.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
ANTIPOLO — Justine Jazareno and three other Akari Chargers are grateful to be part of Alas Pilipinas’ 33-woman wishlist but their main focus is to make a deep run in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
In the Philippine National Volleyball Federation’s wishlist for Alas Pilipinas’ international competitions this year including the Southeast Asian Games, four Chargers were invited to try out with current national team members Faith Nisperos and Fifi Sharma as well as new invitees Eli Soyud and Jazareno.
It’s an honor for Jazareno, who was part of the under-23 national pool in 2019, but for now, it’s just an added motivation for their ongoing PVL semis campaign.
READ: Thriving as starter, Eli Soyud has career game for Akari
Justine Jazareno and Eli Soyud on being part of Alas Pilipinas’ wishlist. #PVL2025 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/ze1eIlNT0p
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 29, 2025
“It’s motivating because, of course, making it to the national team’s wishlist is no small feat. We’ll bring that motivation to the PVL, where we are now, and keep pushing forward without stopping, said Jazareno after protecting Akari’s floor with 25 digs and 13 excellent receptions to outlast Choco Mucho, 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 22-25, 16-14, on Saturday at Ynares Center Antipolo.
Soyud, who was tapped to play for the Akari-laden national team in the 2023 AVC Challenge Cup, said it was a big motivation to be part of the wishlist as she scored a career-high 34 points.
Both players, though, are not thinking of the tryouts yet as they are eager to bring back Akari to the finals after a silver medal finish in last year’s Reinforced Conference.
READ: Brooke Van Sickle, Shaina Nitura headline Alas Pilipinas wishlist
“Maybe my motivation is that we’re already here, and we won’t waste this chance. There’s no turning back, so we’re going to prove ourselves and see how far we can go,” said Jazareno.
“No one’s giving up, no matter what happens with the ball. We’ll grab it, we’ll keep it alive.”
Akari eyes its second semis win against Reinforced finals tormentor Creamline on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.
