The Akari Chargers take down top team Cignal on Saturday night, February 28, 2026, in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA — Akari hacked out a 25-23, 20-25, 11-25, 25-23, 15-12 comeback triumph against the league-leading Cignal in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
This was the Chargers' second win in a row, after commencing the tournament with three straight losses.
"I have so much faith sa team na 'to," said Salak during the postgame interview, reflecting on their current run.
They also overcame a one-set deficit—a blowout 25-11 Set 3 at that—to turn back the Super Spikers, who were actually on top of the standings at 4-1 before this match.
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In Set 5, Tina Salak's crew needed to stop a Cignal run as the latter closed in at 11-10, after installing a 9-5 Chargers lead beforehand.
Ivy Lacsina nailed a gutsy kill block on Erika Santos, as Eli Soyud followed through with an off-speed hit for a 13-10 cushion.
Fifi Sharma shut down one of Santos' attempts, denying her on the net to reach match point, 14-11, right after the Super Spiker hammered down a sharp attack that was Cignal's lifeline late in the affair.
Santos stayed composed by nailing another kill to be within two, 14-12, but any comeback attempt was too late as Grethcel Soltones found the spot, securing the game-winner for the Akari side.
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"Ngayon 'yung chance na magkaroon kami ng momentum," said Sharma, who had 16 points and five blocks to earn Player of the Game nod.
Lacsina finished with a team-high 20 points and 11 excellent receptions, while Soyud made her presence felt, contributing 14 points and eight excellent digs.
Anchoring the offense was Mars Alba, who tallied 18 excellent sets, while Justine Jazareno kept balls alive with 19 excellent digs.
On the other side, Santos and Vanie Gandler delivered 23 points each, but were put to waste as the Super Spikers were dealt their second loss.