The Akari Chargers. PVL Media BureauMANILA — After cruising to a quick Set 1 win, Akari had to outlast Galeries in the next two for a 25-11, 25-23, 25-23 sweep in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Sitting on a 2-0 lead, the Chargers had to erase a deficit late in the final frame, 22-16, unleashing a 9-1 run to finally silence the gritty Highrisers.
Import Annie Mitchem and middle blocker Ced Domingo worked on that run, leading the team with their combination plays and quick hits to seal the win.
It was a bounce back for them, having lost in their last game date against Petro Gazz, 27-29, 22-25, 25-19, 25-17, 11-15, Oct 23.
"'Yun naman talaga 'yung goal namin e, 'yung ma-sweep 'yung lahat ng games namin, I mean 'yung remaining games, but still we have to work on do'n sa mga attitude namin towards sa game, attitude din namin within our [team]," said coach Tina Salak during the postgame press conference.
Mitchem finished with 14 points on 10 attacks and four blocks, while PVL Press Corps Most Improved Player Eli Soyud had 12 points on eight attacks, three points from the service line and a block.
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Grethcel Soltones contributed nine points, while Domingo wrapped up with six points, including the game-winning quick kill.
Mars Alba steered the Akari offense with 20 excellent sets, earning Player of the Game honors.
"For me, grateful lang ako sa bawat isa, lalo na sa coaches and teammates ko kasi talagang pinagtatrabahuhan namin, yun nga, coming from a loss," said Alba.
Akari plays Zus Coffee next — a replay of the Reinforced Conference opening match — hoping they could reverse the outcome of their first encounter.
For their part, Jelena Cvijovic had 10 points and seven excellent receptions for the Highrisers. They were on pace for a first set win in the conference, but could not capitalize on it.