PVL: Akari charges vs. streaking Cignal, remains as the lone undefeated team

Akari claimed another victim in erstwhile undefeated Cignal, overcoming an early setback to escape with a 15-25, 25-17, 25-19, 25-22 stunner in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena.

Import Oly Okaro led the massive charge with 24 points anchored on 22 attacks, one ace, and one block while Ivy Lacsina shone for the local support with her 14 markers as the Chargers ended the first round with a clean 5-0 slate.

The HD Spikers, meanwhile, absorbed their first loss to go 4-1 in Pool B despite the 24-point production from import MJ Perez.

Akari, alongside Cignal and Capital1, will now head to the second round where they will be pitted against the bottom three teams in Pool A in another single round-robin format.

The top eight teams after the second round will advance to the knockout quarterfinals.

Capital1 earlier dealt ZUS Coffee its fifth straight loss in the conference, coming up with a 18-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-18 triumph behind another explosive showing from Marina Tushova, who detonated for 32 points just days following his record 45-point outburst against Choco Mucho.

Choco Mucho, meanwhile, could not bounce back from that heavy loss as it stumbled against Petro Gazz in straight sets, 18-25, 21-25, 18-25, later in the day as the Angels improved to 2-3.

Wilma Salas poured in 18 points and 18 receptions while Brooke Van Sickle chipped in 17 markers. Only Dindin Santiago-Manabat reached double digit scoring for the Flying Titans with her 13 markers as they sank to 1-4 hole.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News