The Akari Chargers pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference so far, outlasting the Cignal Super Spikers in a five-set thriller, 25-23, 20-25, 11-25, 25-23, 15-12, at the FilOil Centre on Saturday, February 28.
After opening the conference with three straight losses, the Chargers have now found their rhythm, claiming consecutive victories in convincing fashion.
In the deciding fifth set, Ivy Lacsina, Fifi Sharma, and Ishie Lalongisip combined for four straight points to create separation at 9-5. Cignal refused to fold, as Jackie Acuña blocked Lacsina, Jewel Encarnacion delivered an ace, and Vanie Gandler scored from the back row to trim the deficit to 9-8.
Akari, Cignal Tussle in Thrilling Decider
The momentum swung back and forth until Lacsina rejected Erika Santos at the net and Eli Soyud found a gap in Cignal’s block to extend the lead to 13-10. Santos momentarily kept the Super Spikers alive, but Sharma answered with a block to push Akari to match point, 14-11.
Santos saved one more point, yet Gretchel Soltones sealed the victory to complete Akari’s comeback triumph.
“Actually, ’yung team naman kilala na namin. I have so much faith dito sa team. Even ganun, kami nag-i-struggle. First, alam namin how to bounce back. Ang reality nun, nate-test ’yung character ng players,” said head coach Tina Salak.
“So, nagkakaroon din ng magandang motivation sa players sa upcoming games namin. Malaking bagay ’yung binibigay na suporta, even ’yung nasa bench.”
Lacsina led the Chargers with 20 points built on 16 attacks, 3 blocks, and 1 ace. Sharma added 16 markers, including 5 blocks, while Soyud and Ced Domingo chipped in 14 points apiece.
For Cignal, Gandler and Santos both tallied 23 points, while Acuña contributed 10.
What’s Next in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference
Tuesday, March 3, FilOil Centre
Choco Mucho Flying Titans vs. Nxled Chameleons, 4:00 p.m.
Creamline Cool Smashers vs. Galeries Tower Highrisers, 6:30 p.m.
Akari Chargers
Saturday (March 7) vs. Capital1 Solar Spikers, 6:30 p.m., FilOil Centre
Cignal Super Spikers
Thursday (March 5) vs. Zus Coffee Thunderbelles, 4:00 p.m., FilOil Centre
