For Akari, weekend stints show long road ahead
Akari is finding out that adapting to a new system comes with as many bruises as breakthroughs.
Fresh off their first win in the PVL on Tour, the Chargers looked to build momentum and keep pace with seasoned contenders. Instead, they ran into a Chery Tiggo squad that showed precisely what a cohesive, confident team can look like.
On Sunday, Chery Tiggo leaned on Cess Robles’ leadership and a fearless group of rookies to outlast Akari in another five-set marathon, 24-26, 25-19, 25-16, 23-25, 15-10, completing a two-game sweep of the Ynares Center Montalban stop.
Robles, embracing her role as the Crossovers’ main gunner, poured in 23 points and anchored a performance that underscored the gap between a team still learning under a new coach and one with a clearer sense of identity.
“Coach told me that even if you’re young, you can lead,” Robles said. “Just show it on the court.”
For Akari, the weekend was a study in contrasts. On Saturday, they snapped a two-game skid by edging ZUS Coffee in five sets—marking new coach Tina Salak’s first victory and hinting at promise in her system.
“Actually, I was surprised too,” Salak admitted. “We didn’t set super high expectations, but I saw how resilient the team was. That’s important moving forward.”
But less than 24 hours later, Akari couldn’t sustain the same composure against a Chery squad that simply executed better when it mattered.
Sealed with an ace
The Chargers still had moments of brilliance. Grethcel Soltones drilled the last two points of the first set, and Ivy Lacsina delivered 18 points and 18 receptions. Eli Soyud remained reliable with 17 points and 11 digs, while Ced Domingo and Soltones combined for clutch plays that forced a fifth set.
Yet Chery Tiggo kept finding answers. Jyne Soreño delivered the last two points in the decider, including a match-sealing ace, while Ren Peñafiel continued her impressive rookie run with 12 points and eight excellent receptions.
Salak’s system showed flashes of what it could be—especially when Akari recovered from a 23-18 collapse in the fourth set to force the decider. But the Chargers’ 41 errors and late lapses proved costly.
“Since everything’s new—the system, the adjustments—we really need to pick up Coach Tina’s way quickly,” Soltones said. “We were happy we recovered, but there’s so much we still need to improve.”
On the opposite bench, Chery Tiggo coach Norman Miguel praised his players for embodying the hunger and focus he wants to define their campaign.
“This win means a lot,” Miguel said. “We can’t stop here. I want to solidify the team’s character, to have something to prove. They all came from champion teams, so they know what it takes.”
