One week after a straight-set defeat to powerhouse Creamline in Ilocos Sur, Akari seeks to recover and reclaim momentum in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
With a pair of four-set wins to start the season, the Chargers seemed poised for success, but their recent loss has prompted a reassessment of strategies ahead of their 6:30 p.m. clash against the Farm Fresh Foxies at Philsports Arena in Pasig on Saturday.
Head coach Taka Minowa has likely devised new play patterns to address their struggles, particularly the absence of star scorer Grethcel Soltones.
In their previous match, Erika Raagas stepped up offensively with 11 points, but the team needs stronger performances from Ivy Lacsina, Eli Soyud and Faith Nisperos, who are eager to redeem themselves after combining for 18 points against the Cool Smashers and improve their 2-1 record.
For the Foxies, tonight’s matchup presents an opportunity to secure their first win after back-to-back shutout losses to the Cignal HD Spikers and Petro Gazz Angels.
Coach Benson Bocboc remains optimistic, counting on consistent standout Trisha Tubu, who posted 15 and 14 points in their first two matches, to lead the charge.
However, the Foxies will need better support from players like Louie Romero, Rizza Cruz and Alyssa Bertolano to end their early skid in the centerpiece tournament of the league organized by Sports Vision.
In the opening game at 4 p.m., Nxled and Capital1, both coming off three-game losing streaks, will battle to turn their campaigns around.
Key players such as Chiara Permentilla and Heather Guino-o are expected to take the lead for their respective teams in what is expected to be a closely contested encounter.
Looking ahead, this weekend’s matches set the stage for Tuesday’s marquee showdowns at the Araneta Coliseum, where PLDT squares off with Chery Tiggo at 4 p.m., followed by Creamline versus Choco Mucho at 6:30 p.m. with both games are expected to draw a huge crowd.
