POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato — Akari knocked Choco Mucho out of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League On Tour Showdown without a single victory, completing a 27-25, 27-25, 21-25, 25-22 triumph on Saturday night at the Polomolok Gymnasium here.
It was the perfect bounce-back performance for the Chargers, who opened their preseason campaign with an 11-25, 23-25, 28-26, 17-25 loss to ZUS Coffee in Ilagan, Isabela on July 8.
After missing the chance to sweep the match in straight sets, Akari made sure to seal the victory in the fourth frame. Ivy Lacsina and Chen Tagaod sparked a decisive 3-0 run that snapped a 19-all deadlock and gave the Chargers a 22-19 cushion.
(C) PVL Images
Maddie Madayag and Lacsina traded points before Madayag converted a quick attack. Then Jaila Atienza blocked Tagaod at the net to cut Akari’s lead to just one, 23-22.
That, however, proved to be Choco Mucho’s final push. Grethcel Soltones answered with a cross-court hit before Tagaod hammered home the match-winning kill, collapsing to the floor with cramps as her teammates rushed to celebrate the victory.
“Lahat nag-contribute,” said Akari head coach Tina Salak. “Considering yung Alas players natin wala, so lahat nagsipag, even yung mga bago. Nag-fill in na rin sila Risa (Sato), Shar (Ancheta).”
“Yun lang naman yung hinahabol namin — magkaroon ng magandang exposure yung team, magkaroon ng chemistry, mabuo kami as a team. Maganda ‘tong part ng On Tour na nakikilala namin ang isa’t isa playing inside the court,” she added.
Playing in front of her father and brother, who traveled from Tagum, Davao, Tagaod delivered one of the finest performances of her young professional career. She finished with 19 points built on 11 attacks, six blocks, and two aces despite battling cramps from the third set onward.
Lacsina chipped in 14 points and 13 excellent receptions, while Soltones posted a double-double with 10 points and 13 excellent digs. Faith Nisperos also provided a spark off the bench with nine points.
Akari will try to wrap up its preseason campaign on a winning note when it faces PLDT on August 15 in Lanao del Norte.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, the Flying Titans — who played the entire preseason without Alas Pilipinas standouts Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, and Dawn Catindig — ended their campaign winless with an 0-3 record.
Caitlin Viray and Mean Mendrez scored 16 points apiece in the loss, while Madayag added 14 markers.
