Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
(C) PVL Images

News

Akari completes series win over Choco Mucho for PVL AFC podium finish


Akari fended off every Choco Mucho comeback attempt as it swept to a 25-15, 26-24, 26-24 victory in Game 3, securing the bronze medal in the 2024–25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Philsports Arena.

With this bronze-clinching triumph, the Chargers notched back-to-back podium finishes, following their silver-medal run in the 2024 Reinforced Conference with another impressive campaign.

Choco Mucho came alive late in the third set, threatening to extend the match to a fourth. Sisi Rondina delivered back-to-back attacks, then capitalized on an Ivy Lacsina error to tie the score at 22-all, raising hopes for a Flying Titans comeback.

But Eli Soyud stepped up to halt the surge, delivering a sharp cross-court strike. Lacsina then redeemed herself with a well-placed hit, bringing Akari to match point at 24-22.

Rondina responded with a searing cross-court blast, only for Lacsina to misfire again, leveling the score at 24.

With pressure mounting, Soyud delivered once more — this time with a blistering down-the-line missile — before Lacsina soared for a final back-row attack that sealed the deal, handing the Chargers the bronze.

PVL-AFC-25-Akari-vs.-Choco-Mucho-Eli-Soyud-9035 Akari completes series win over Choco Mucho for PVL AFC podium finish News PVL Volleyball  - philippine sports news

(C) PVL Images

“I’m just so glad because in the last game, we didn’t get the breaks of the game [just like during the latter part] of this conference. That’s a process [we have to go through] as a team. How we finished is really good,” said Akari head coach Taka Minowa.

“Lahat ng players, from the beginning, our performance is not unlike now. We [went through] six months and played more than 10 games and we made a lot of improvement. I’m so happy right now,” he added.

#ReadMore  Lolo's absence inspires Jake Figueroa to shine vs Ateneo

It was a tough road to bronze for the Chargers, who opened the series with a stunning five-set reverse sweep, 24-26, 21-25, 25-15, 25-18, 15-11. They were then caught off guard by a strong response from Choco Mucho, who bounced back to win Game 2, 25-18, 25-22, 26-28, 25-19.

Akari also had to overcome a close second-set encounter in Game 3, with the Flying Titans taking a 24-23 lead after a Maika Ortiz quick attack. However, Soyud, Lacsina, and Camille Victoria teamed up for a strong 3-0 finishing run, securing a 2-0 lead.

“Wala sa akin naman kasi, nandoon na kami — last points na lang. Ibigay na natin lahat, kasi mahirap pag binigyan pa namin ng momentum ang Choco, kasi magba-bounce back talaga sila. So habang nasa amin yung momentum, kunin na namin para hindi na kami mahirapan,” said Soyud.

Soyud led the Chargers with 18 points, including 15 attacks and three kill blocks, while Ced Domingo and Lacsina contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively, rounding out the double-digit scorers for Akari.

Victoria added eight points, while Grethcel Soltones, despite being limited to just six points, had a brilliant defensive game with 18 excellent digs and 17 excellent receptions. Michelle Cobb dished out 20 excellent sets to go along with two points.

PVL-AFC-25-Akari-vs.-Choco-Mucho-Sisi-Rondina-8980 Akari completes series win over Choco Mucho for PVL AFC podium finish News PVL Volleyball  - philippine sports news

(C) PVL Images

On the other hand, Sisi Rondina was the lone bright spot for Choco Mucho, scoring 14 points with 12 attacks and two blocks, along with 10 excellent digs.

Royse Tubino was the second-best scorer for the Flying Titans with nine points, while Ortiz and Isa Molde added four and three points, respectively.

#ReadMore  Lady Spikers zap Lady Warriors, roll to Final Four

The team fell short of the All-Filipino Conference podium after back-to-back silver campaigns.

Written By




You May Also Like

News

Tia Andaya entered the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft as one of the more intriguing prospects — largely unfamiliar to the local volleyball...

News

Capital1 ushered in a new era with what team officials called a “game-changing” decision during the Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft held Sunday night...

News

A total of 57 prospects have officially made the final cut for the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Draft after successfully completing all documentary requirements,...

News

Michelle Cobb has decided to hang up her sneakers at just 26 years old. The Akari Chargers setter announced her retirement from volleyball on...

News

In a bid to maintain competitive balance, the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) is preparing to introduce new rules on player transactions — including a...

News

Akari has officially promoted Tina Salak as head coach for the upcoming 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season, marking her debut at the professional...

News

In a heartfelt social media post on Saturday, Taka Minowa announced his departure from Akari, marking the end of an era for the Chargers....

Alas Pilipinas

Over a month since their return to beach volleyball, things are looking promising for the SiPons tandem of Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons. Both...

Advertisement