The Akari Chargers during the bronze medal match in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Tuesday at the Araneta Coliseum. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Akari turned back Choco Mucho in a stunning reverse sweep, 24-26, 21-25, 25-15, 25-18, 15-11, to open the battle for bronze of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
They are now a win away from a sure podium finish, securing a 1-0 lead over the Flying Titans.
Whatever their placement is this conference, this is set to be the Chargers' best finish in an All-Filipino contest.
They were sent to the bronze medal match after they lost to the Petro Gazz Angels in the semifinals, 22-25, 20-25, 18-25, last week.
Defensive specialist and Alas Pilipinas tryout invitee Justine Jazareno anchored the Chargers' defense, helping shut down Sisi Rondina and company with 29 excellent digs on a very efficient 60 percent digging efficiency -- more than enough to name her Player of the Game.
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"Gusto rin namin manalo, and pinaghirapan din naman namin 'yung game na ito," said Jazareno after the game.
Grethcel Soltones showed her two-way play, listing 26 excellent receptions and 15 points.
Akari's Eli Soyud had a game-high 24 points on 20 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, while Ivy Lacsina, who only delivered eight points in each of their semis games, breached the 20-point territory this time and had nine excellent digs.
Lacsina said a change of mindset helped her get motivated on the taraflex.
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"'Yung binago ko po sa mindset kapag nandoon ako sa court, doon ko lang iisipin para fresh mind po ako," said Lacsina.
"Kasi the past few games, parang masyado kong prinessure yung sarili ko, and masyado ko iniintindi 'yung laro. So ngayon po fresh mind lang ako pumasok sa court," she added.
Only a two-point game in the decider, 12-10, the Chargers finally completed their comeback with a 3-1 run built on Soyud's checkball hit, Rondina's attack error, and Soltones' drop which caught the Flying Titans off-guard to close out the match that lasted two hours and 25 minutes.
The Chargers won overwhelmingly in the attacking department, registering a total of 60 compared to the Flying Titans' 45.
For Choco Mucho's part, its final position this tournament will be a downgrade as the Rondina-captained squad had placed first runner-up in the past two All-Filipino Conferences.
Royse Tubino had a team-high 19 points for Choco Mucho, while Rondina had 18 markers.