By NIKOLE JAVIER
Akari finally got its winning start after recovering from a third-set stumble against Army to hack out a 25-18, 25-19, 23-25, 25-19 win in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday, Feb. 21.
The Chargers, who were eager to take their first win the season-opening conference, recovered from their third-set hiccup to finally snap their losing skid in four outings.
Dindin Santiago-Manabat delivered 23 points built on 20 attacks, two blocks and an ace in the much-needed win.
Chiara Permentilla and Ezra Madrigal also added 13 and 10 markers, respectively.
Up by only one after Royse Tubino’s attack error in the fourth set, 18-17, Santiago-Manabat would quickly get on her feet with back-to-back points to keep the morale running on Akari’s side.
It wouldn’t take long for the Chargers to get the Lady Troopers off their sight with a 6-2 run that would seal the win.
Tubino paced the Lady Troopers with a 20-point outing while Jeannette Villareal contributed 12 in the losing effort, pushing them further down a 16th-game slide.