The Akari Chargers outlasted and eliminated the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in an extended five-set thriller, 25-15, 23-25, 25-16, 15-25, 21-19, in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
In the fifth set, the Flying Titans reached match point at 17-16, but the one-two punch of Ivy Lacsina and Eli Soyud quickly swung the momentum in favor of Akari. With their backs against the wall, Lacsina unleashed a cross-court kill before Soyud blocked Eya Laure to give the Chargers match point, 18-17.
Akari, Choco Mucho Deliver Thrilling Ending
Kat Tolentino refused to back down, scoring back-to-back points to tie the match at 19-all. However, Lorraine Pecaña committed a crucial service error that handed Akari another match point. Serving for the match, Soyud delivered an ace off a misreceive from Laure to seal the victory.
“Actually, sobrang proud ako kasi will na nila ’to to step into the next round. Given na lahat ng adjustments na ginawa namin, nag-adjust din ang Choco Mucho,” said Chargers head coach Tina Salak.
“Sobrang intense nung training namin just to know the tendencies ng Choco Mucho. But still, yung will nila manalo—wanting it more—dun kami nag-level up for this game,” she added.
Ivy Lacsina Takes Charge
Lacsina led the Chargers with 30 points built on 28 attacks, along with 27 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs. Soyud added 18 points on 11 attacks, 5 blocks, and 2 aces, while Fifi Sharma chipped in 13 points. Gretchel Soltones and Celine Domingo combined for 18 points.
Mars Alba contributed 5 points and dished out 21 excellent sets, while Justine Jazareno anchored the defense with 28 excellent digs.
For the Flying Titans, Laure led the way with 20 points built on 17 attacks, along with 12 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs. Tolentino added 19 points, while Sisi Rondina was limited to 13 points.
What’s Next in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference
Tuesday, April 7 • FilOil Centre • Qualifying Round
Farm Fresh Foxies vs. Nxled Chameleons, 4:00 p.m.
Creamline Cool Smashers vs. Akari Chargers, 6:30 p.m.
