PVL: Akari slips past Choco Mucho in five-set marathon

MANILA — Akari slipped past Choco Mucho in a grueling five-set marathon, 25-19, 22-25, 25-21, 19-25, 16-14, in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Siklab series on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Chargers had to fend off a late Choco Mucho rally in the extended decider, despite leading by four, 13-9.

After Ivy Lacsina put Akari on match point on a down-the-line hit, Kat Tolentino’s drop shot kept Choco Mucho alive, as the National U product’s spike went out.

Eya Laure kept Choco Mucho’s surge to tie at 14-all, but Akari had the answer.

An Eli Soyud off-the-block hit allowed the Chargers reach match point once more, as Mars Alba blocked Sisi Rondina-Rosales on the net to get the job done after two hours and 33 minutes.

“‘Yung opportunity na binigay sa amin, makabalik ulit dun sa last game namin, malaking bagay ‘yun eh. Kaya, ‘yung nangyari match ngayon talagang masasabi natin na ginusto ng bawat isa ‘yun,” said assistant coach Eddieson Orcullo during the postgame press conference.

Alba pulled the strings against her former team, registering 19 excellent sets, allowing Soyud and Lacsina notch 17 points each.

For the defense, Justine Jazareno stepped up with 23 excellent digs, while Lacsina completed a triple-double with 11 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions.

Meanwhile, Choco Mucho ultimately fell short, despite forcing another frame after dropping to a 2-1 set deficit.

Laure finished with 16 points and eight receptions, while Tolentino had 15 markers in the loss.