Akari vented its frustrations on struggling PLDT, winning 25-18, 25-19, 25-22, to claim its first victory in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Siklab series on Tuesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Coming off back-to-back losses to Creamline and Capital1, the Chargers showcased solid defensive work to limit PLDT star Savannah Davison to a PVL career-low five points and secure a bounce-back win, improving their record to 1-2 in the conference.
Team captain Justine Jazareno spearheaded Akari’s defensive effort with 15 excellent digs and five excellent receptions, helping the Chargers contain PLDT’s offense and seal the one-hour, 28-minute victory.
“More on siguro for me, sinasabi ko lang sa kanila na ako bahala sa defense, ako bahala sa receive,” said Jazareno.
“Basta sabi ko, sila bahala sa attack, kayo bahala mag-set. ‘Yun talaga, nag-enjoy lang talaga kami, ‘yung kagustuhan talaga ng bawat isa na (manalo),” she added.
Akari also had to navigate the game without head coach Tina Salak, who was attending to an undisclosed matter. Assistant coach Eddieson Orcullo took charge of the Chargers and guided them to their first win of the conference.
“Yung two games kasi na-loss namin, mabigat sa bawat isa ‘yun, kaya doon siguro nanggaling lahat eh. Doon nanggaling ‘yung motivation ng bawat isa saka ‘yung kagustuhan doon sa third set. Marami kasing puwedeng mangyari kapag nakuha nila ‘yung third set, kaya talagang pinilit ng bawat isa na makuha ‘yung third set na ‘yun,” Orcullo said.
Eli Soyud led Akari’s balanced scoring attack with 12 points on 11 attacks and one block, while Fifi Sharma added seven markers on four attacks, two aces, and one kill block.
Jyne Soreno, Faith Nisperos, and Ivy Lacsina chipped in six points apiece, while Grethcel Soltones delivered a well-rounded performance with four points, 13 excellent receptions, and six excellent digs.
The Chargers held a 41-30 advantage in attacks and capitalized on PLDT’s 27 unforced errors to complete the straight-set victory.
Akari will look to build on its momentum and secure back-to-back victories when it takes on Farm Fresh on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Meanwhile, the High Speed Hitters suffered their second straight loss after falling to Nxled in straight sets in their previous outing, dropping to 0-2 to start the tournament.
Jessa Ordiales was PLDT’s lone double-digit scorer with 10 points, while Kianna Dy added seven markers.
The High Speed Hitters will look to snap their losing streak against Capital1 on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
