Chargers sustain climb

MANILA, Philippines — The Akari Chargers marched on, pulling off a fifth straight win and climbing to fourth place with a 25-23, 25-23, 14-25, 26-24 drubbing of the Galeries Tower Highrisers in the PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex last night.

Dragged to an extended battle in the fourth set, the Chargers went to Ivy Lacsina, Fifi Sharma and Eli Soyud for the defensive wall and the offensive firepower to hold off the Highrisers and sustain their crucial streak.

From a fumbling tournament start, Akari is now among the frontrunners and can put a lock on a qualifying-round spot with a win over Farm Fresh on Saturday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Galeries, meanwhile, dropped to 2-8 at ninth place and is headed to the cutthroat play-in round.

The Highrisers aim to end the prelims strong and build some momentum for the play-in as they tangle with the Capital1 Solar Spikers also on Saturday.

In a tight battle in the fourth after squandering a six-point lead, Sharma scored on blocks while Lacsina and Soyud ignited bombs as the Chargers went home with the “W.”

A service error from Erika Raagas followed by a cross-court kill by Soyud sealed the deal for the Chargers.

Soyud finished with 21 points with 20 on attacks and one off block as Lacsina delivered 16, Grethcel Soltones 12, Camille Victoria 9 and Sharma 8.

Dani Ravena was a defensive gem with 19 excellent digs as well as Justine Jazareno with 11 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions.

The losing side was led by Ysa Jimenez with 18 markers with 16 attack points and two blocks.

Akari won 68-53 on attacks and 9-7 on blocks.