Akari clinches 1st win in PVL Invitational

The Akari Power Chargers notched their first win in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational with a 25-20, 22-25, 27-25, 25-27, and 15-12 victory over the Quezon City Gerflor Defenders on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Faith Nisperos top-scored with 17 points, while Dindin Santiago-Manabat also registered the same number of points as the Power Chargers snapped their three-game losing skid for a 1-3 slate.

Power Chargers head coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito said the victory was a welcome relief for the Akari team and will serve as motivation for them to get better in the third conference.

“It’s never easy when you get three losses in the past; there’s a lot of feelings coming inside, but we did the job that we had to do,” Souza de Brito said. 

“In our thoughts, it was not supposed to be in five sets, but my request for them is that no matter if we play good or bad, we have to leave the court with the win,” he added.

“We have a lot to improve on, and we are already preparing for the next (conference). Now is the time to step on the stats and physical training,” the Brazilian mentor further said.

Nisperos, who was named the Player of the Game, said that there are still several things that the team needs to address in the offseason for them to contend in the upcoming conference.

“As what coach had said, it was hard for us kasi we came from three losses. But the team was committed that whatever happens, we have to win, and I’m really glad na nagtulungan kami,” Nisperos said.

“Of course, there’s more polishing to do, but I’m really happy that we finally won,” added the former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles star.

Alyssa Bertolano finished with a top-scoring 14-point output for the Defenders, who also drew 13 hits from Ranya Musa. They suffered their fourth loss in as many matches.

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Source: Fast Break