The Akari Chargers pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Thursday, toppling powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers in four hard-fought sets, 25–21, 28–26, 17–25, 25–21, to halt the latter’s surge.
Unfazed by Creamline’s reputation, the Chargers showed poise and resolve inside the FilOil EcoOil Centre, rising to every challenge and closing strong in the fourth set to secure a statement victory. The win stretched Akari’s streak to four games and strengthened its push for a Qualifying Round berth.
Justine Jazareno Anchors Akari Defense
While Ivy Lacsina and Eli Soyud provided the firepower, it was libero Justine Jazareno who anchored the Chargers’ defensive stand. Jazareno delivered a remarkable floor performance, diving for balls that kept rallies alive and turning desperate saves into scoring chances.
The Alas Pilipinas standout finished with 22 excellent digs at 59 percent efficiency but downplayed the effort afterward.
“Tina-trabaho ’yun,” she said, crediting the team’s communication and defensive system built around blocking, defense, and service.
Akari appeared in full control late in the fourth set when Jazareno’s spectacular left-handed dig set up Grethcel Soltones for a crafty two-handed dump that pushed the Chargers ahead, 20–11. Creamline threatened one last comeback behind Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos, trimming the gap to 21–24.
Chargers Charge Ahead in Crunch Time
But Akari stayed composed. With Lacsina and Soyud slowed by Creamline’s net defense, setter Mars Alba turned to Chenie Tagaod, who blasted the match-clinching hit to end the two-hour, five-minute contest.
Lacsina paced Akari with 20 points, Soyud added 15, and Soltones chipped in 14. Fifi Sharma and Ced Domingo contributed 7 points each in the middle.
Galanza led Creamline with 16 points, while Carlos scored 10 and Pangs Panaga had 9.
The victory lifted Akari to solo fourth at 4–3 and, more importantly, marked only its second win over Creamline—further proof the Chargers’ rise in the league is no fluke.
