Akari escaped the jaws of defeat, rallying from a 0-2 set deficit to defeat Choco Mucho, 24-26, 21-25, 25-15, 25-18, 15-11, and move within one win of securing third place in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After a disappointing round-robin semifinal run, the Chargers — led by Ivy Lacsina and Eli Soyud — showed poise under pressure, overcoming the Flying Titans in a thrilling five-set battle to move closer to a second consecutive podium finish in the PVL.
Akari faced an early deficit as Sisi Rondina powered Choco Mucho to a commanding 2-0 set lead. However, the Chargers mounted a comeback with precise attacks and solid floor defense, forcing a decisive fifth set.
In the final frame, with the score tied at seven, Lacsina and Soyud each scored two points in a crucial 4-1 run that put Akari ahead by three, 11-8. The Chargers held their ground and fended off every comeback attempt by Choco Mucho.
The Flying Titans came within two multiple times, but Soyud delivered a down-the-line kill followed by a Rondina attack error, giving Akari a 14-10 advantage. Rondina atoned for her mistake with a kill, but Grethcel Soltones sealed the game with a push.
(C) PVL Images
“Siguro po yung talagang tulungan namin as a team nung game po talaga and yung eagerness namin manalo. Alam namin na eager talaga yung Choco Mucho, so kailangan lang po talaga patibayan po kami and kung sinong mas gusto manalo,” said Lacsina.
Soyud led Akari with 24 points, including 20 attacks, two kill blocks, and two aces, while Lacsina contributed 20 points, 18 of which came from attacks, and added nine excellent digs.
Soltones rounded out the double-digit scorers with 15 points, including 26 excellent receptions, for an all-around performance.
Justine Jazareno was crucial in the Chargers’ floor defense, tallying 29 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions, while Michelle Cobb dished out 17 excellent sets.
“Parang kunin na namin yung laro na ito, and then yung for bronze, kasi gusto rin naman namin na manalo, and parang pinaghirapan din naman namin yung game na ito,” said Jazareno after the stunning come-from-behind victory.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, the Flying Titans seemed to lose steam late in the match after a strong start. They claimed the first two sets but faltered in the final three, suffering their fourth consecutive loss since ending the quarterfinals on a 10-game winning streak.
Royse Tubino led Choco Mucho with 19 points, including 14 attacks, four kill blocks, and one ace, while Rondina added 18 points, 14 of which came from attacks, along with four blocks and 14 excellent digs.
Isa Molde contributed 10 points and 12 excellent receptions, while Mars Alba recorded 16 excellent sets along with three points. Thang Ponce tallied 25 excellent receptions and 12 excellent digs for the Flying Titans.
Akari will aim to clinch bronze in the next game, while Choco Mucho hopes to stay alive in Game 2, scheduled for Thursday at 4:00 PM at the same venue.
#WATCH: Taka Minowa beams with pride as Akari, led by Ivy Lacsina and Justine Jazareno, pulled off a gritty reverse sweep against Choco Mucho 🏐
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times#PVL2025 pic.twitter.com/Rr0Bki2ULq
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 8, 2025
