Akari has tapped young libero Max Juangco to fill in the big shoes left by Justine Jazareno for the coming Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

The defense specialist from Far Eastern University has decided to forgo her remaining playing eligibility in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines to turn pro.

The Chargers, who are looking to find success in the
season-opening tournament slated 20 February, officially welcomed the promising talent on Monday in a post on their social media account.

Juangco's arrival will cover the void left by Jazareno, who took a leave of absence following her pregnancy. The De La Salle University product joined Akari in last year's 2nd All-Filipino Conference together with college teammate Fifi Sharma where she averaged 2.95 digs per set.

Aside from Juangco, the Raffy Mosuela-coached Akari will also rely on veteran libero Bang Pineda to man the floor.

Juangco played a crucial role in the Lady Tamaraws' decent run in last year's UAAP tournament where FEU finished 5th with a 6-8 win-loss record following a one-win campaign the previous season.

Akari is looking to barge into its first-ever Top 4 finish after landing at seventh in the season-ending 2nd All-Filipino Conference.

The Chargers shored up its roster after signing earlier former PVL Finals Most Valuable Players Grethcel Soltones and Ced Domingo to reinforce their mainstays Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Faith Nisperos, setter Michelle Cobb and Ezra Madrigal.