The Akari Chargers. Photo from PVL Media Bureau

MANILA, Philippines – Akari bucked a slow start en route to a 28-30, 25-15, 25-16, 25-23 victory over Galeries to take the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season-opener on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

"Since the last conference I handled Akari, it's really a slow start, even today. It's supposed to be-- I think we could finish 3-0, but we expect Galeries here to be a good defense team, but we started maraming error. Ang daming attack," said coach Taka Minowa during the postgame press conference.

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Eli Soyud shone among the Chargers in the first game of the All-Filipino Conference, listing a game-high 21 points on six blocks including the clutch hits in the fourth set which closed the deal for the Akari side.

Returning player Faith Nisperos, star spiker Ivy Lacsina, and Reinforced Conference Best Outside Spiker Grethcel Soltones all registered 16 points each.

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Libero Dani Ravena protected their side of the taraflex, logging 11 excellent digs and 19 excellent receptions.

After succumbing in the opening frame, the Chargers came back stronger in the next two and cruised to a 2-1 set lead.

After Akari led by five in the fourth canto, 21-16, the Highrisers put on a challenge and closed into one later on, 23-22. Soyud then put away the rallying Highrisers with consecutive kills to punch their first win in the tourney.

Ysabel Jimenez paced Galeries with 17 points, while debuting rookie Julia Coronel had eight points and nine excellent sets, as she played both the settter and opposite hitter positions.

Akari will be taking on ZUS Coffee on Thursday next week, while Galeries faces Choco Mucho at the same game date.