By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Akari drew strength from Dindin Manabat as it edged Capital1, 25-17, 25-14, 25-20, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday, April 11.
The hard-hitting Manabat pumped in 25 points built on 20 kills, three blocks and two aces as the Chargers clinched their second straight victory.
The win improved Akari’s win-loss tally to 4-5, keeping its semifinal hopes alive as they stayed at seventh place.
The Chargers needed one and a half hour to beat the Solar Spikers, banking on their sharp attacks and rock-solid net defense also anchored on Grethcel Soltones, Princess Madrigal, Faith Nisperos and Fifi Sharma.
Soltones finished with nine points, Madrigal and Nisperos contributed eight points apiece, and Sharma chipped in with seven points.
Capital1 kept the match close for some parts of the match, including in the third set where they tied at 12-all, but Akari was quick to adjust and pull away.
Skipper Jorelle Singh scored 10 points for the Solar Spikers, but her efforts were still not enough as they fell to their eighth defeat in nine outings.
