Photo: PVL
The Akari Chargers delivered the biggest surprise of the PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals after sweeping top-ranked Farm Fresh, 28-26, 30-28, 25-21, on Monday at the Araneta Coliseum. The victory secured Akari’s return to the semifinals of the year-ending tournament.
Akari relied on its experience and composure throughout the high-pressure match. Despite entering as the eighth seed, the Chargers outplayed the Foxies in key stretches and maintained control during extended rallies in the first two sets.
Import Annie Mitchem powered the Chargers with 25 points, highlighted by strong attacking and 14 excellent receptions. She closed the match with a decisive hit that sealed Akari’s straight-sets win.
Supporting Mitchem were Eli Soyud and Grethcel Soltones who finished with 10 points each. Middle blockers Fifi Sharma and Ced Domingo added nine and seven points respectively, providing timely hits and steady floor and net coverage. Setter Mars Alba registered 19 excellent sets and directed the offense with balanced distribution.
Akari also drew strong defensive contributions from libero Justine Jazareno, who recorded 21 excellent digs and anchored the team’s floor defense. The Chargers out-hit Farm Fresh 56 to 48 and out-blocked them 7 to 2, while keeping their execution steady despite 23 errors.
Farm Fresh struggled to match Akari’s consistency. Import Eli Rousseaux posted 25 points but received limited support from the local attackers. The Foxies faltered in crucial moments and were unable to maintain the smooth execution they showed in the eliminations.
The turning point came in the third set when Farm Fresh closed the gap to 19-20. Akari responded with a key three-point run highlighted by a Mitchem hit, a Farm Fresh attack error and a service ace from Domingo. Sharma later converted a quick attack to reach match point before Mitchem delivered the final blow.
Akari now awaits the winner of the Creamline versus Petro Gazz quarterfinal match. The semifinals are scheduled to begin on Thursday at the same venue.
