Photo: PVL
Akari’s spirited PVL Reinforced Conference run came to an end after a grueling five-set battle, as the Chargers fell to the Petro Gazz Angels, 25-19, 25-17, 15-25, 22-25, 15-13, in their knockout semifinal match on Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The loss eliminated Akari from the championship race, but the team exited with a performance that showcased resilience and competitive fire.
After a slow start, the Chargers roared back in the third and fourth sets through improved defense and more aggressive attacking, forcing a decider and shifting the momentum of the match. Their comeback run echoed the same grit that carried them from eighth seed to a stunning quarterfinal upset over top-ranked Farm Fresh.
The fifth set unfolded as a tense exchange of clutch plays, producing 11 ties and five lead changes. Annie Mitchem anchored Akari with 28 points in a dominant showing, while Ced Domingo added 16 points and Grethcel Soltones chipped in 12, keeping the Chargers within striking distance until the final rally.
Akari briefly erased an 11-9 deficit, but Petro Gazz secured the critical breaks in the closing moments. Soltones’ final attack sailed long, and a subsequent challenge for a block touch was upheld, sealing the Angels’ win and their return to the Finals.
