The Akari Chargers. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA (UPDATED) — Akari outlasted Choco Mucho in a nail-biting five-set battle, 25-15, 23-25, 25-16, 15-25, 21-19, to stay alive in the play-in tournament of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Chargers will face Creamline for a semifinal berth.
"Actually, sobrang proud ako kasi will na nila ito to step into the next round," said coach Tina Salak during the postgame interview, acknowledging her wards' efforts.
With Akari poised to take the match at 14-13 after a Ced Domingo quick attack in Set 5, Choco Mucho found the break that resuscitated its hopes after a Sisi Rondina off-the-block kill.
The Chargers went on to reach six match point advantages, while the Flying Titans kept within striking distance and even had a chance to steal the match at 17-16 after a Kat Tolentino kill block.
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With the score tied at 19-all after an exchange of kills from Fifi Sharma and Tolentino, the match turned on a crucial error by sophomore Lorraine Pecana, whose service miscue handed Akari another match point.
Eli Soyud then sealed the win after two hours and 26 minutes, delivering the finishing touches from the service line as a reception miscommunication between Rondina and Eya Laure sent the ball out after grazing their hands.
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"'Yung mindset ko kanina, ipasok lang kasi marami pang mangyayari kapag pinasok ko. So 'yun lang ginawa ko — wala na 'kong inisip kundi pinasok ko lang 'yung bola," Soyud said regarding the game-clinching service ace.
Ivy Lacsina, who has been having an impressive campaign in the all-Pinoy tilt, continued to do so as she led Akari with a career-high 30 points, while also contributing to the defense with 10 excellent digs and 27 excellent receptions.
Backstopping the National University product's efforts were Eli Soyud (18 points), Sharma (13 points), and Grethcel Soltones (11 points).
Mars Alba, who was later relieved to have won against her former team, made the plays with 21 excellent sets, while Justine Jazareno defended the Akari side of the taraflex well with 28 excellent digs.
Meanwhile, Laure saw her first tournament with Choco Mucho ending in heartbreak. Before exiting, she paced her team with a 20-point performance, to go along with 11 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions.
Tolentino, who was the Flying Titans' lifeline late in the match, finished with 19 markers, while Rondina was held to 13 points.
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