Despite feeling under the weather, Mars Alba momentarily shook off her illness and erupted in celebration after delivering the game-winning block that lifted Akari past her former team, Choco Mucho, in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Siklab series last Saturday night.
The 27-year-old setter battled sickness throughout the match but showed no signs of it when it mattered most, rising to deny former teammate Sisi Rondina at the net and help the Chargers escape the Flying Titans in a five-set thriller, 25-19, 22-25, 25-21, 19-25, 16-14, at the Philsports Arena.
True to her fiery and expressive playing style, Alba let her emotions spill over after the final block, briefly locking eyes with Rondina before pointing skyward and breaking into a wide smile.
She was then swept up in the celebrations as her Akari teammates rushed to embrace her, capping a dramatic finish to an intense five-set battle.
For Alba, however, the emotional outburst was nothing out of the ordinary, even with the added stakes of facing her former team.
(C) PVL Images
The fiery setter admitted that her emotions naturally run high on the court, emphasizing that it is simply part of her playing style, regardless of who stands on the other side of the net.
“Siguro for me, normal na mataas ’yung emotions. Knowing me, kung kilala niyo ako, gano’n talaga ako maglaro. Ma-swag, medyo hindi lang todo ngayon kasi medyo masama ’yung pakiramdam, pero nairaos naman,” said the former De La Salle University star.
“Wala naman akong masyadong iniisip nung last block. Sabi ko lang, tapusin lang kasi mahirap ’yung naghahabol nga. And thank you, Lord, na nabigay sa’min ’yung panalo,” she added.
Aside from delivering the game-clinching block, Alba also orchestrated the Chargers’ offense, dishing out 19 excellent sets to help her side secure its third victory of the tournament.
The hard-earned win proved crucial for Akari as the semifinal race continued to heat up, keeping the Chargers firmly in contention for a coveted spot in the next round while providing a much-needed boost heading into the final stretch of the elimination round.
With the race for the semifinals tightening, Alba stressed the importance of making the most of their remaining assignments, hoping the Chargers can string together victories and secure a place in the coveted top four.
“Siguro kami po, ’yung mindset lang naman namin, panalunin lahat ng natitirang games. And ayun, parang it’s now or never. Parang napunta kami sa ganitong sitwasyon, so kailangan namin pagtrabahuhan and sipagan pa, maging patient sa isa’t isa para ma-achieve namin ’yung gusto naming ma-achieve this conference.”
