Eli Soyud and Justine Jazareno of the Akari Chargers. PVL Media Bureau

ANTIPOLO – Spiker Eli Soyud and defensive specialist Justine Jazareno of Akari Chargers shared Saturday that being included in the wishlist of players for Alas Pilipinas Women tryouts was a huge boost for them.

It was evident in their first game since the list was made public: Soyud dropped a career-high 34 points on 27 attacks and seven blocks, while Jazareno led the Chargers' floor defense, tallying 25 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions in their semifinal opener against Choco Mucho.

READ: 33 athletes to be invited for Alas Pilipinas Women tryouts

Although this wasn't the first time they donned the national colors after they previously played in separate international stints, the Akari duo was grateful for the recognition.

Jazareno played for the Philippines in the 2019 Women's Volleyball Kor Royal Cup in Thailand, while Soyud participated in the 2023 AVC Women's Challenge Cup.

"Siyempre nagulat ako na nandu'n ako sa wishlist. No one expected na nandu'n ako. For me, isa siyang malaking motivation sa 'kin and para na rin sa team ko. Sabi nga ni Jus (Jazareno), nandito na kami so iga-grab na namin 'yung opportunity at ibibigay 'yung lahat-lahat habang nandito pa kami," said Soyud.

"Isa siyang motivation kasi siyempre, hindi biro 'yung mapunta sa wishlist ng national team. Dadalhin namin 'yun sa PVL, kung nasaan kami ngayon, as motivation and hindi kami mag-i-stop," said Jazareno.

READ: PVL: Soyud takes charge as Akari halts Choco Mucho streak for win No. 1 in semis

The Akari mainstays bared that they are not looking forward to the tryouts as they keep focus on their semifinal campaign in the PVL.

The Chargers are on a good start, scoring a five-set escape of Choco Mucho, 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 22-25, 16-14, on Saturday at the Ynares Center here.

"'Yung focus ko talaga ngayon, PVL," Soyud said. 

"Same din po with ate Eli," Jazareno said.