Akari etched its name in Premier Volleyball League (PVL) history after securing its first-ever podium finish in the All-Filipino Conference with a straight-set stunner over Choco Mucho, 25-15, 26-24, 26-24, in the battle for bronze on Saturday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

After falling short in previous All-Filipino Conferences since joining in 2022, the Chargers finally tasted sweet victory, bagging their second overall medal — the first being a silver finish in the 2024 Reinforced Conference after bowing to Creamline.

Veteran spiker Eli Soyud led the charge with an 18-point outing built on 15 attacks and three blocks, earning Player of the Game honors.

“This means so much to us. All the hard work, sacrifices, and long hours in training — it all paid off,” said an emotional Soyud.

“We knew we couldn’t give Choco Mucho a chance to bounce back. We had to seize the opportunity and close it out.”

Ced Domingo added 13 points from 11 kills and two blocks, while Ivy Lacsina chipped in 12 points, including the match-clinching kill.

Choco Mucho’s star wing spiker Sisi Rondina tried to keep her squad afloat, finishing with 14 points from 12 attacks and two blocks.

However, she was the lone Flying Titan to breach double figures as Akari’s defense clamped down on their scorers. Royse Tubino was held to just nine points in the loss.

In a tightly contested second set, Choco Mucho mounted multiple rallies behind Rondina’s energy and Isa Molde’s steady play. Tied at 24, a kill from Soyud and an ace from Camille Victoria secured the second set for the Chargers.

After an amazing effort from the Flying Titans in Set 3, a powerful kill by Rondina trimmed the lead to 23-24, followed by an attack error by Lacsina that tied the score.

But Akari kept its composure as Soyud fired off a high-pressure kill that bounced off Thang Ponce to give the Chargers match point before Lacsina redeemed herself with the game-winning hit off the same defender.

“On that last point, everything from this conference just flashed through my mind,” Lacsina said.

“I gave it my all, and I’m happy I delivered.”

The victory denied Choco Mucho a chance to claim its third consecutive podium finish in the All-Filipino Conference.

Akari head coach Takayuki Minowa praised his players for their resilience throughout the season, culminating in the franchise’s historic bronze medal finish.

“They deserved this moment,” Minowa said.

“We’ve grown so much as a team, and this is just the beginning.”