Akari maintained its perfect fifth-set record with a hard-fought 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 22-25, 16-14 victory over Choco Mucho in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference semifinals on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
With the win, the Chargers improved to 4-0 in five-set matches this conference, delivering a loud and clear message in the single round-robin final four stage. Akari will next face defending champion Creamline on Tuesday, while Choco Mucho looks to bounce back against Petro Gazz.
After dropping the opening set, Akari found its rhythm in the second, jumping to a 10-6 lead. The margin extended to 20-15 after an off-the-block attack by Dindin Santiago-Manabat, and a powerful kill from Faith Nisperos brought them to set point. An emphatic spike by Eli Soyud sealed the set, tying the match at 1-1.
The third set was a tight exchange with both teams locked at 20-all. A net touch violation by Royse Tubino and a crucial block by Jaja Santiago on Isa Molde handed Akari the edge, allowing them to close the set at 25-23.
Choco Mucho fought back in the fourth behind the efforts of Sisi Rondina and Mars Alba. With the Flying Titans ahead 23-20, setter Deanna Wong made a crucial play to bring them to set point before an Akari net fault forced a deciding fifth set.
Choco Mucho appeared poised to complete a comeback, racing to an 8-4 advantage in the final set behind Wong’s service ace and back-to-back attacks from Rondina and Molde. But costly errors allowed Akari to close the gap at 9-8.
Molde momentarily restored Choco Mucho’s momentum with a crafty drop shot, igniting a 3-0 run that pushed their lead back to four. However, the Chargers refused to back down.
With the Flying Titans at match point, 14-12, Akari clawed back with crucial plays from Soyud and Nisperos, leveling the score at 14-all. Nisperos then delivered the final blow — a sharp crosscourt attack that sealed the win.
Soyud delivered a career-high 34 points, dominating with 27 attacks and seven blocks to earn Player of the Game honors. Ced Domingo contributed 14 points, while Nisperos added 11, including the match-winning hit.
Akari’s key players credited their collective mindset and determination for their hard-fought victory.
“My teammates fought hard. Everyone was talking, giving input. I knew I couldn’t let their efforts go to waste,” Soyud said.
Libero Justine Jazareno, who contributed 25 excellent digs and 13 successful receptions, echoed the sentiment.
“No matter what happens, we won’t give up on any ball. We’ll keep it alive.”
For Choco Mucho, Rondina put up a valiant effort with 29 points off 28 attacks, while Tubino and Molde chipped in 14 and 11 points, respectively.