Akari’s iron will shines again: Chargers outduel Chery Tiggo in another five-set marathon to stay unbeaten

The Akari Chargers are quickly carving a reputation as the Premier Volleyball League’s comeback queens. In yet another test of grit and composure, the young squad once again went the distance — and conquered — taking down Chery Tiggo in a pulsating five-set thriller, 25-11, 22-25, 29-27, 17-25, 15-7, on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Barely three days removed from their stunning five-set upset of defending champion Creamline, Akari proved their first win was no fluke. This time, it was all about teamwork and trust, as five players hit double digits and every rotation brought answers when it mattered most.

Head coach Tina Salak couldn’t help but smile at the déjà vu.

“Actually, yun talaga yung tinitraining namin, ‘yung lagi kaming five sets. Biro lang, pero at least yun sa experiences namin with Creamline and Chery Tiggo. Doon sa five sets, nakita natin ‘yung character ng team, ‘yung growth ng team. Nakita natin ‘yung composure nga ng team,” said Salak.

And composure was exactly what got them through.

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CHARGERS SURVIVE CROSSOVERS!

: CHERY TIGGO EV vs. AKARI

Watch the games on:
: One Sports | One Sports+
: Pilipinas Live#PVL2025 | #TheHeartOfVolleyball pic.twitter.com/RAkufXs1AP

— Premier Volleyball League (@pvlph) October 14, 2025

After surrendering the fourth set, Akari regrouped with laser focus in the decider. Fifi Sharma and Grethcel Soltones struck first with quick kills, sparking a 10-2 charge that stunned the Crossovers. 

From there, the Chargers never looked back. Sharma’s steady blocking and Annie Mitchem’s perfectly timed denial of Ara Galang opened the floodgates for a 15-7 finish — capped by a miscue from Chery’s Renee Peñafiel that sealed the victory after two hours and 28 minutes of all-out volleyball.

Eli Soyud led the balanced attack with 18 points built on 10 kills, five aces, and three blocks — plus eight digs — while Mitchem added 17 points and 15 receptions. Ced Domingo also made her presence felt with a monster line of 16 points, including five blocks and four aces, while Soltones and Sharma chipped in 11 and 10 markers, respectively.

Playmaker Mars Alba was the quiet engine with 21 excellent sets, while captain Justine Jazareno anchored the defense once again with 27 digs and six receptions.

The win lifted Akari to a 2-0 record in Pool B — briefly putting them atop the standings in the Sports Vision-organized conference — and firmly establishing them as early contenders.

Chery Tiggo, still missing middle blocker Imee Hernandez due to knee rehab, fell to 0-2 despite a gallant showing from Cess Robles (20 points) and Cuban import Yunieska Batista (17 points, 14 digs, nine receptions).

Setter Jasmine Nabor had 22 excellent sets in the loss, while Karen Verdeflor put up 18 receptions and 17 digs.

The Chargers will try to keep their unbeaten streak alive when they face Petro Gazz on October 23 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

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