Ollie Okaro leads Akali Chargers to the semifinals of the PVL Recruitment Conference. – MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Akali advanced to its first PVL semifinal after defeating Farm Fresh 17-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-23 in an enhanced conference match at the Filoil Ecooil Centre on Saturday night.
The Chargers relied on their reliable trio of Olli Okaro, Grethel Saltness and Ivy Laksina to move one win away from a spot in the finals.
Okaro and Saltness each had 17 points off 16 attacking points, while Laksina added 12. It was all thanks to a stellar performance from returning forward Camille Calle, who played 14 sets.
Results: 2024 PVL Preliminary Quarterfinals August 24
Saltness also recorded 10 impressive receptions, while Cam’s Victoria had nine points, including four off the block.
“I haven’t gotten to this point because it was easy. Also, my teammates are my inspiration and I look for people I can rely on, especially when the games get tough,” Soltones said.
Akali Chargers’ Grethel Saltness plays in the PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals. – MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Dani Ravena recorded 17 impressive digs and 10 impressive receptions before hurting her right knee in the fourth frame.
“Of course, I’m very happy but this is not the end. All the upcoming matches will be tough so we have to work harder and we also need to focus on improving how we move as a team,” added Lacsina, who awaits the winner of the match between PLDT and Chery Tiggo in the other quarter-final.
Read: PVL: Akali Chargers know work isn’t done after qualifying sweep
Trisha Toub led Firm Fresh with 15 points while foreign players Yenny Murillo and Caitlin Belay each added 12 points to help the Foxes put up their best performance despite the shortened season.
The Colombian also recorded 11 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions, while Janelle Delerio had 21 excellent digs and 19 excellent receptions.
Akali overcame a shocking first set and found her footing in the following sets to remain undefeated.
After a close game, the Chargers went on a 5-1 run to win and maintain their lead at 20-16.
The Foxes narrowed the gap to 21-19 after consecutive errors from Akari, followed by an ace from Romero.
Back-to-back points from Murillo and Vilay tied the score at 22-22, then Saltness fired the ball cross-court and Santiago responded quickly, tying the score again at 23-23.
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Saltness got a key point on the line before Victoria blocked Kate Santiago to seal the match.
