Akari outlasts Galeries Tower in five-set thriller to move closer to PVL semis

Akari displayed remarkable resilience and composure in a high-stakes, back-and-forth showdown, overcoming Galeries Tower in a grueling 21-25, 25-19, 20-25, 25-16, 15-11 battle to inch closer to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference semifinals at Philsports Arena on Saturday, March 15.

Lacsina Leads the Charge with 28 Points

Ivy Lacsina delivered a standout performance, matching her career-high with 28 points, including 22 attack points and six kill blocks. She spearheaded Akari’s offense alongside Eli Soyud, who stepped up with 19 points, taking control in the fourth set to force a decider. Gretchel Soltones also played a crucial role, contributing 10 points, while Fifi Sharma, Camille Victoria, Michelle Cobb, Faith Nisperos, and Steph Bustrillo combined for 21 points in the two-hour, seven-minute contest.

With Game 1 hanging in the balance at 11-10 in the fifth set, Victoria’s clutch kill ended Akari’s scoring drought and ignited a finishing run that saw the Chargers claim four of the last five points.

Ivy Lacsina’s 28-point performance powers Akari past Galeries Tower. [PVL Images]

“Our preparations against Galeries made the difference,” said Soyud, who was named Player of the Game. “We adjusted in-game, focused on hard serves and solid blocking, and recovered in Sets 2 and 4.”

Soyud also credited the coaching staff:

“Everybody wanted to win and reach the semis. We’re grateful for the trust from our coaches, and all our hard work paid off.”

Galeries Tower Puts Up a Valiant Fight

Despite the loss, Galeries Tower proved they could compete with the league’s best. Jewel Encarnacion (18 points) and France Ronquillo (17 points) led the Highrisers’ offense, while Ysa Jimenez (13 points) and Roselle Baliton (11 points) provided key contributions.

Coming off a stunning win over Cignal HD Spikers, Galeries Tower fought hard but struggled with offensive execution in the clutch. Their lack of experience in high-pressure moments showed as Akari capitalized on their errors in the deciding frame.

The Highrisers, who previously outlasted Farm Fresh in the qualifying round, now aim to force a decider in Game 2. Meanwhile, Akari looks to close out the series and secure a semifinal berth in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.

How Akari Seized the Momentum in Set 5

Lacsina and Soyud took turns attacking Galeries Tower’s defense, combining for eight crucial points in the fifth set. Trailing 1-3 early, Akari turned the tide with a 9-2 run, highlighted by:

✔ Three service aces, including two from Sharma
✔ Victoria’s decisive kill, ending a scoring drought
✔ Lacsina’s relentless offense, sealing the game with her 28th point

Galeries Tower, however, showed grit. They rallied from 5-9 down, cutting the deficit to 8-9 with a three-point swing, fueled by:

✔ Soyud’s service fault
✔ An Akari rotation error
✔ Encarnacion’s clutch ace

But Akari kept its poise. Victoria’s kill at 11-10 sparked a finishing kick, securing four of the last five points to claim the Game 1 victory in this battle between lower-ranked teams.

Crucial Third Set Turns the Tide for Galeries

Grethcel Soltones in action for Akari. [PVL Images]

Galeries Tower dominated the third set, surging to an 8-3 lead before Akari clawed back. However, every time the Chargers evened the score, the Highrisers quickly regained control.

After Lacsina’s kill brought Akari within one (20-21), Baliton’s two clutch blocks against Soltones pushed Galeries to set point at 24-20.

Jimenez then sealed the set with a powerful ace, giving Galeries Tower a 2-1 lead in the match.

Defensive Strength and Set 3 Key Stats

Galeries Tower out-blocked Akari, 5-1
Despite being outgunned in attacks (9-12), Galeries forced Akari into 9 unforced errors
Jimenez, Baliton, and Ronquillo delivered clutch plays to secure the set

What’s Next: Game 2 Preview

With Game 2 looming, Akari has the momentum but will need to stay sharp to avoid a decider. Galeries Tower, on the other hand, will focus on: