MANILA, Philippines — Before entering the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) 2024 Reinforced Conference knockout semifinal clash, Akari hitter Grethcel Soltones was hounded by X users after her cryptic post about the rescheduling of the matches.
Soltones posted on her account "Dahil? HAHAHA" where volleyball fans assumed that she was sending a message that the change of game schedule only "favor" the eight-time PVL champions Creamline.
After a controversial win over Akari, Soltones cleared the air and stated that her previous post was "not related to volleyball."
"I don't have any underlying message, I just tweeted. It is not connected to volleyball. I post before [the announcement of game schedule changes]. No hate, and we all should relax. My tweet is open context, so I hope we keep the peace," Soltoned told the press after a five-set win over Akari last Saturday, Aug. 31.
PVL said in a statement that the reason for rescheduling the games last Thursday since there was a power outage at the PhilSports Arena.
The Lady Beast also shared how she kept her focus and composure during the knockout clash.
"I told to myself that the people who were bashing me are not putting food in my plate. I said to myself that this is for the team, we should not waste all of our hardwork as a team. I am thankful for them [bashers] since I like it better when I am challenged," she added.
Soltones backed up Oly Okaro's 39-point outing with 16 points and 12 excellent digs.
She also came in clutch after scoring back-to-back loaded crosscourt kills in the fifth frame to give the Chargers the match-point advantage, 16-15, before PLDT's Lena Samoilenko committed an attack error, 17-15.
The Akari hitter was also grateful for the support of the girl group star BINI Mikha Lim.
"I am super thankful since I played with her during the Star Magic games. I did not expect her to be friendly, knowing that she's famous. She messaged me 'congrats lady beast' during our match over Farm Fresh."
With this, Soltones now shifts her focus to the PVL finals as she and her team will face a formidable foe, Creamline Cool Smashers on Monday, Sept. 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena.