PVL: Dindin Santiago-Manabat lifts Akari past Chery Tiggo anew

Dindin Santiago Manabat leads Akari Chargers. – PVL

ANTIPOLO — Dindin Santiago-Manabat led Akari with 21 points to haunt her former team, Chery Tiggo, 25-20, 18-25, 25-22, 25-20, and earn their second win in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday evening at Ynares Center.

Like in the first conference, Manabat was still a thorn in the side of the Crossovers as she registered 16 kills including the clutch hits in the last two sets to go with four blocks and an ace.

The veteran opposite spiker, who signed with Akari last January, said she wanted to be a great example to her ex-teammates by bringing out her A game despite being on the opposing side.

“I am always inspired whenever I play against them. Even though I am no longer with them, I still wanted to be the best example that I was part of their family,” said Manabat in Filipino. “But now I wanted to give my team a win. This is for my teammates.”

Akari improved to 2-1 tying the record of its victim and PLDT, which swept the Chargers last week.

With the Chargers banking on a younger core, Manabat is liking the team’s progress.

Akari Chargers’ Faith Nisperos. –PVL

“It feels great to have them because they are all hard working and reliable despite being rookies. They want to fight and win and they are working hard for it everyday,” said Manabat.

“Our team may be new but it already went through a lot of sacrifices and challenges. We’re slowly seeing the result of it,” she added.

Faith Nisperos backed Manabat with 17 points including five of the team’s 14 blocks and also had 14 excellent receptions. Setter Jaja Maraguinot dished out 18 excellent sets on top of four points, as Fifi Sharma and Erika Raagas chipped in seven points each.

Ezra Madrigal and Trisha Genesis added six markers each, while rookie libero Justine Jazareno protected the floor with nine digs and six receptions.

“I want to commend my teammates because if not for them, I won’t be able to score my points. And we worked hard for this win,” Manabat said.

Eya Laure led Chery Tiggo with 17 points. Her sister, EJ had 14 points, 11 digs, and eight receptions, while Cess Robles added 12 markers coming off the bench.

Akari eyes its third win against Farm Fresh (0-3) on Thursday in Antipolo, while Chery Tiggo takes on Gerflor on October 31 at FilOil EcoOil Centre.

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