Akari finally broke through, dispatching Nxled in four sets, 25-18, 25-23, 23-25, 25-22, for its first victory in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the Filoil Centre.
The Chargers got off to a rough start in the conference, dropping matches to Choco Mucho, ZUS Coffee, and PLDT, but bounced back by overpowering the Chameleons, improving their record to 1-3.
(C) PVL Images
Ivy Lacsina led the charge for Akari, scoring 20 points entirely from attacks and adding 10 excellent receptions to drive her team to a hard-fought victory after two hours and 10 minutes of action.
Ced Domingo continued her strong conference performance, this time helping the team secure a win with 17 points on 14 attacks, two kill blocks, and one ace, while Eli Soyud added 13 markers.
Grethcel Soltones delivered a complete game, contributing 12 points, 14 excellent digs, and 10 excellent receptions, while Mars Alba orchestrated the offense with 22 excellent sets and added five points of her own.
Team captain Justine Jazareno anchored the floor defense, recording 25 excellent digs to keep the Chargers in control.
“Marami kaming adjustments na ginawa regarding sa game. And wala ‘kong masabi. Sabi nga ni Ced, ‘pag nag-aano kami, wala akong masabi. Hopefully, diba yung chemistry namin today, ma-carry over namin sa mga next games,” said Akari head coach Tina Salak.
“Kasi alam naman natin di maganda yung start namin. So at least may opportunity, marami pang chance para maayos namin at mas maganda pa yung maging result namin even sa ibang games pa,” she added.
The Chargers came out firing, building a strong lead and dominating attacks 70-57, but stumbled in the third set. They regrouped in the fourth, mounting a resilient fight to reclaim control and secure the win.
Akari will look to build on this momentum when they face Cignal on Saturday at 4 p.m. at the same venue.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, Nxled has dropped back-to-back games after opening the conference with three straight victories, slipping to a 3-2 record.
Brooke Van Sickle led the Chameleons with 16 points, 13 excellent digs, and seven excellent receptions.
Myla Pablo added 14 points on 12 attacks and two blocks, while the returning MJ Phillips, who missed the team’s shocking loss to Galeries Tower, tallied 12 markers in her comeback.
Djanel Cheng took over playmaking duties from rookie Jules Tolentino after the opening set, recording 15 excellent sets along with four points, while Bang Pineda contributed 20 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions.
Nxled will aim to snap its skid against Choco Mucho next Tuesday at 4 p.m., also at Filoil.
