Akari Sweeps Galeries Tower for Bounce-Back Win in PVL Reinforced Conference
The Akari Chargers bounced back in style, sweeping the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 25-11, 25-23, 25-23, to strengthen their Top 3 bid in Pool B of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Determined to rebound from a heartbreaking five-set loss to Petro Gazz last week, Akari started strong, cruising through the opening set with ease. But the next two frames told a different story, as the winless Highrisers pushed them to the limit before the Chargers’ veterans took over in crunch time.
After falling behind by as much as seven points, 16-23, in the third set, Akari unleashed a blistering 9-1 finishing run led by import Annie Mitchem, Ced Domingo, and Grethcel Soltones to complete the sweep. Mitchem’s steady presence at the net and Domingo’s quick kills sealed the victory in one hour and 26 minutes.
Mitchem led the Chargers with 14 points built on 10 attacks and four kill blocks, while also contributing on defense with seven excellent digs and four receptions. Eli Soyud matched her efficiency with 14 points of her own from eight attacks, three service aces, and a block.
Soltones added nine points and five excellent receptions, while Fifi Sharma chipped in eight in a balanced offensive effort. Orchestrating the Chargers’ fluid offense was Mars Alba, who delivered 20 excellent sets and added four points, earning the Player of the Game honors.
(Video from the YouTube Channel of One Sports)
Despite a gritty stand from Galeries Tower, the Highrisers couldn’t close out the tight sets and finished the first round winless at 0-5. Montenegrin reinforcement Jelena Cvijović led their late charge but it wasn’t enough to stop Akari’s final surge.
Akari, now improving to 3-1, looks to carry its momentum into its next outing against ZUS Coffee at the MOA Arena on Tuesday, while Galeries Tower moves to Pool D for the classification phase, where it will face the top three teams from Pool A.
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