Photo: PVL

By: Rachel Gonzales

Annie Mitchem kept Akari in playoff contention after dropping 22 points to crush their also-ran sister team Nxled, 25-13, 25-17, 25-22, in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Mitchem had 19 kills, two blocks, and an ace, as the Power Chargers ended their two-game skid and tied the Cignal Super Spikers for fifth place with identical 4-3 records.

Grethcel Soltones backstopped their American import with 12 points and 11 digs. Ced Domingo and Eli Soyud had 8 and 4points, respectively. Mars Alba tossed 21 excellent sets, while libero Justine Jazareno took care of the floor with 15 digs and 10 receptions.

“We got a really, really, really nice recovery,” said Akari coach Tina Salak.

“But we still have a lot of lapses from the past games, we still have to improve our small balls. But I'm really happy we recovered and we played well against Nxled.“

“I am half-hearted because, before, Nxled was my team. Still, we had a mission to win today.”

Akari, last year’s runner-up, hopes to seal its playoff ticket against Choco Mucho on Tuesday at the Ynares Center Montalban, at 4 PM.

“Moving forward to another game, we have great momentum now. We're very excited to train tomorrow. We’re keeping the good vibes from this win,” Salak said.

Nxled remained winless in seven games, with Paola Martinez and Chiara Permentilla leading the way with 10 points each.