Eli Soyud posts career game as Akari outlasts Choco Mucho in PVL semis opener

Eli Soyud played inspired volleyball after erupting for a career-high game to help Akari eke out a 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 22-25, 16-14, in the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals on Saturday at the Ynares Center Antipolo.

The veteran opposite hitter had the best game of her career, detonating for 34 points built on 27 attacks and seven blocks as the Chargers went 1-0 early in the single round robin Final Four.

“‘Yung teammates ko kasi talagang nilaban nila. Lahat nagsasalita, lagat nag-i-input kung ano ‘yung gagawin,” Soyud said when asked what motivated her in the game.

“Sa akin, hindi pwedeng ma-waste lahat ng effort ng bawat isa.”

Akari never lost its faith, even when Choco Mucho looked like it could complete the comeback victory after Isa Molde brought the Flying Titans to a 13-10 lead in the deciding fifth set.

Choco Mucho even took the match point when Sisi Rondina soared from the open to bring them to a 14-11 cushion.

But Akari unleashed a wild 5-0 closing run instigated by a Regine Arocha service error and capped by a Faith Nisperos cross court attack.

Ced Domingo provided the help with 14 points while Nisperos finished with 11 markers.

Rondina took charge in the tough five-set loss with a 29-point outburst laced with 13 receptions as they went 0-1.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News