Akari’s import leads the charge in an early PVL Reinforced Conference thriller while making history in the process.
At the end of Tuesday’s Akari-Choco Mucho thriller, it was the Chargers’ Oly Okaro who shone the brightest. Hours after MJ Perez’s 30-pointer, the American would pour in 38 of her own as Akari completed an improbable reverse sweep against the Flying Titans on Tuesday.
Even more remarkable, Okaro had actually entered the PVL’s history books. Only in her second game, Akari’s reinforcement has tied Creamline’s Tots Carlos for the fifth-highest scoring output in PVL history.
“I’m definitely very excited. I’m very proud of how I performed. I know there are also things that I didn’t do very well. And it’s something I’m going to work on moving forward. But I just came ready to fight. I knew that there’s no way I’m leaving without fighting,” she told reporters on Tuesday.
Okaro, though, only had this to say when informed of her feat: “I would say it’s nice. You said fifth in the league? I probably could do better. So, I’ll keep working to get better.”
So while proud of her performance, it was all about winning for the 28-year-old, whose squad was beaten down for two straight sets. Making matters more challenging, budding star Ivy Lacsina also struggled, which further motivated Oly Okaro to step up for Akari.
“But, you know, I wanted to also step up in my position. So, I communicated with the setter. Let her know, you know, this game. Feel free to find me. Just keep looking for me.I’m going to be ready. Just keep, you know, throwing it my way. So, that’s what we, you know, she delivered.”
‘Very strong and passionate’
Oly Okaro, though, didn’t fail to give Akari its flowers. Despite being down two sets, she praised the Chargers’ composure, with the mental game now accompanying the physical aspect of things.
She also lauded Akari’s “very strong and passionate fighting attitude”, saying: “Because even though we’re down, collectively we come together. So, we know that we don’t want to lose this game. At least we’re not going to lose it without a fight.
“So, I would say the Akari team is very strong in that sense, mentally, even though our team can be a little bit goofy sometimes. And, you know, a little dancey. But, you know, deep down, I would say the team is very cohesive.
“And there’s the same goal in mind. And, like I said, we’re not going to leave without fighting.”
Up next for Akari will be reigning conference champs Petro Gazz. Early on, this emphatic comeback already gives the Chargers momentum on their side.
“So, I would just say from this game, we’re just going to see what we did well. And keep doing that. And see what we need to work on. And improve on that for the next game against Petro,” said Okaro.
Banner Image courtesy of the Premier Volleyball League.
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