Mars Alba powers Akari’s rally to upset Creamline in the PVL All-Filipino

What once looked like a slow start is now turning into one of the more compelling momentum shifts in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.

At the center of Akari’s resurgence is setter Mars Alba, whose steady orchestration has helped transform the Chargers from a struggling squad into a team steadily climbing the standings.

Akari’s latest statement came with a victory over the Creamline Cool Smashers, a result that stretched the Chargers’ winning streak to four games and pushed them into the upper half of the leaderboard. 

For Alba, the match highlighted the growing chemistry within the squad as they continue to build rhythm after early-season struggles.

Running the offense with precision, Alba delivered 18 excellent sets while also contributing defensively with 10 excellent digs. 

But for the former UAAP Finals MVP, the win was more than just another result—it was also a reflection of the collective effort happening behind the scenes.

“Very grateful ako sa lahat, sa coaches, sa teammates ko, sa management kasi wino-work on talaga lahat ng aspects na pwedeng gawin at ma-improve ‘yung team,” the former UAAP Finals MVP said.

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AKARI EXTENDS WIN STREAK

Akari head coach Tina Salak, spiker Ivy Lacsina, and setter Mars Alba break down their win over 10-time champion Creamline on Thursday. #PVL2026 | via @kennedyzcaacbay pic.twitter.com/AzXUvvoTM5

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) March 12, 2026

Akari’s season did not begin smoothly. The Chargers stumbled to a 0–3 start, raising early questions about their direction in the conference. 

Since then, however, the team has gradually rediscovered its form, piecing together a four-game surge that lifted them to fourth place with a 4–3 record while also snapping Creamline’s five-game run.

For Alba, the victory carried extra significance as it marked another successful meeting with the perennial powerhouse.

This time, however, the challenge came with an added twist—Creamline has one of the league’s best setters, Jia De Guzman.

“Second time ko na kalaban yung Creamline. Second time na panalo. Yung isa sa Reinforced, tas isa ngayon pero ‘yung last time wala siya. Ngayon nandito. Sobrang happy kasi siyempre ate Jia ‘yun,” Alba said.

Despite the victory, Alba emphasized that beating a championship-tested team like Creamline required constant focus throughout the match.

“Nire-remind lang din talaga ‘yung isat-isa. Katulad kanina, parang nag-ano agad kami na matured talaga ‘yung Creamline eh,” the 26-year-old former DLSU setter said.

Beyond the emotional lift of the win, Alba’s steady play has also translated into solid numbers. She currently ranks among the league’s top playmakers, sitting fourth in the Best Setters race with an average of 4.17 per set.

With momentum on their side, Alba and the Chargers now turn their attention to their next assignment. Akari will look to extend its surge to five straight victories when it faces the Galeries Tower Highrisers on Tuesday at the same venue.

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