It was a see-saw battle that could’ve gone either way. The Chargers looked poised for a sweep after pulling off a pair of come-from-behind wins in the first two sets, only for the Thunderbelles to storm back with dominant performances in the third and fourth and threaten a reverse sweep.
But as in any tight volleyball duel, the fifth set ultimately favored the team with steadier nerves and mental fortitude. And the Chargers showed just that – grit, poise and the composure needed in the clutch – as they snapped a two-game slide and dealt the Thunderbelles a stinging defeat in their tournament debut.
While the match featured standout moments from various players, it was Grethcel Soltones who stood tallest. The seasoned open spiker turned in a vintage all-around performance, delivering 23 points in a scoring shootout with ZUS Coffee ace Jovelyn Gonzaga while also anchoring the Chargers' floor defense with 11 excellent digs and nine solid receptions.
Soltones' impact transcended the stat sheet. Her presence brought stability during Akari's toughest stretches, especially when their game unraveled in Sets 3 and 4. More than her offense, it was her leadership and steadying voice that helped the Chargers regain focus in the decisive fifth.
"We lost our patience and communication in Sets 3 and 4 – we just couldn’t sustain it," said Soltones in Filipino, reflecting on their mid-match slump. "But in Set 5, we focused on those aspects. I reminded the girls that we all need to be accountable and to play our roles."
She added: “I’m so happy. We already lost two games, so kudos to my teammates and the coaches for the boost.”
Eli Soyud was another key figure for the Chargers, unloading eight of her 19 points in the final set alone. Her clever mix of power and placement helped Akari stay within reach during the frantic exchanges. She gave Akari match point at 14-13 before a quick attack by rookie AC Miner tied it once more.
ZUS Coffee, however, faltered in the endgame. A rare service error by Gonzaga and a wide attack from rookie Kate Santiago, a standout in their earlier surge, opened the door for Akari. After multiple missed chances, setter Kamille Cal shifted strategy and dished a quick reverse set to Ced Domingo, whose slide attack found the line despite slipping on her takeoff.
Santiago then tried to force a decider extension but misfired again, sending her hit wide. The Thunderbelles challenged for a block touch, but video replay confirmed the ball had sailed untouched – sealing the marathon two-hour, 21-minute victory for Akari.
The hard-fought win not only gave the Chargers a much-needed jolt in Pool B after their rough start in Vigan, Ilocos Sur but it also reaffirmed Soltones’ status as one of the league’s most reliable veterans, capable of leading both in the stat lines and in the intangibles.
Domingo chipped in 12 markers. Ivy Lacsina added nine, and Chenie Tagaod, Ezra Madrigal, and Cal contributed six points apiece in a well-balanced Akari attack.
Gonzaga matched Soltones’ 23-point explosion to lead the Thunderbelles, while Chinnie Arroyo and Miner added 17 and 12 points, respectively. Chai Troncoso chipped in seven, Maika Ortiz had five, and Caroline Santos and setter Cloanne Mondonedo each tallied four points for ZUS Coffee.
Earlier, what seemed to be a straight-sets win for the Chargers turned into a gritty five-set battle after a third- and fourth-set stumble allowed the Thunderbelles to claw their way back into the match.
Led by Gonzaga and Arroyo, ZUS Coffee capitalized on Akari’s sudden rash of errors to stage a spirited comeback.
But the Chargers came out firing in the deciding set, quickly racing to a 3-0 start and threatening to break away with another three-point burst that gave them a 12-9 advantage.
Still, the Thunderbelles refused to back down. Santiago continued to deliver on offense, while Ortiz anchored their net defense with back-to-back kill blocks on Madrigal and Soyud, allowing ZUS Coffee to claw back and force a tie at 12.
Soyud, however, responded with poise and power, drilling consecutive hits even after Gonzaga answered with one of her own. When Miner tied it again at 14 and Tagaod’s attack sailed wide, the pressure mounted.
But the Chargers held their ground, displaying steely nerves in the clutch to finally close out the grueling match and secure the win.
