Late run saves Akari

MANILA, Philippines — Akari overcame early struggles as it escaped with a 25-11, 23-25, 18-25, 25-21, 15-9 victory over Farm Fresh yesterday to barge into the quarterfinals of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena.

Ivy Lacsina went on a spiking spree with 21 kills and finished with a match-high 22 points as she powered the Chargers straight to the best-of-three quarters unfurling March 15 at the same Pasig venue.

The 25-year-old spiker later said the win made up for tough things they’ve been through.

“I just released my emotion,” said a teary-eyed Lacsina.

Grethcel Soltones, sidelined for so long due to a right hand strain, made the most out of her minimal minutes and came through when needed the most in the deciding set.

There, the battle-tested Soltones came through with some clutch hits and key defensive stops while serving as a calming presence for her younger teammates.

“My mindset is to deliver when it’s crucial and also to keep reminding my teammates to stay calm when they started to get rattled,” she said after chipping in 11 points in just a little over two sets on the floor.

Akari thus joined Galeries Tower, Creamline, Petro Gazz and Choco Mucho in the quarters.

It was a heartbreaking result for the Foxies, who appeared headed to a mammoth upset after seizing a 2-1 set lead.

But it wasn’t meant to be though as Farm Fresh couldn’t find the killer instinct and failed to fend off the late Akari juggernaut.