Soyud makes Akari glow

Eli Soyud repays the Akari Chargers’ trust with her effort on the court.

When Akari needed a leader to rally the club out of a 0-2 hole in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series, Soyud stepped into the plate to play her role.

The veteran winger delivered one of the best performances in her pro career, erupting for 30 points on 27 attacks, two blocks, and an ace to power Akari’s come-from-behind 25-22, 25-27, 22-25, 25-23, 15-12 victory over Farm Fresh on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Chargers turned to her sensational outing to rise from a winless start to a 2-2 record tied with Farm Fresh and PLDT.

Soyud attributed her 30-point explosion to the unwavering faith given to her by the Akari coaching staff and teammates.

“I hold on to the trust they have in me. Our coaches have full confidence in me that they didn’t need to say much instructions to me but to just go for the kill, and don’t hesitate. That’s what I did,” Soyud said.

“The good thing is, nobody doubts what each of us can bring to the table. That’s what motivates us to get the win even if it gets into a fifth set.”

After restoring order for the Chargers, Soyud’s efforts did not go unnoticed as she earned the nod to bag the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week citation for the October 27 to 29 period.

Rather than focusing on the individual milestone, the former Adamson stalwart kept her sights on securing a much-needed victory for Akari heading into the second half of the preliminary round.

“Actually, I had no idea I scored 30 points. What’s on my mind is for the team to win. That’s the main goal,” she said.

Soyud admitted that Akari was in a tight spot after dropping its first two games. However, the Chargers refused to just give up.

“It’s hard to bounce back coming from consecutive losses. We really worked hard especially in training. Everything starts there. How we prep, the way to execute our game plan going into the game,” the 2025 PVL Press Corps Most Improved Player said.

“Now we can see the potential of the team,” she added.

Soyud edged out teammate Mars Alba, Creamline’s Jema Galanza and Bernadeth Pons, Choco Mucho’s Dawn Macandili-Catindig and Eya Laure, and PLDT’s Savi Davison for the weekly honor deliberated by print and online reporters covering the pioneering professional volleyball league organized by Sports Vision.

The Chargers return to action on Tuesday, aiming to extend their winning streak against the Galeries Tower Highrisers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.