MANILA, Philippines — Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin pulled all the tricks up his sleeves in the grueling fifth frame, but it was not enough to conquer the still and grounded Akari Chargers.
Akari will face the Creamline Cool Smashers in the last phase of the play-in round after a 25-15, 23-25, 25-16, 15-25, 21-19 victory over Choco Mucho in the knockout play-in semifinals of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate.
The Chargers held the match-point advantage, 16-15 in the fifth frame, then Alinsunurin pulled two setters into the rotation with Tia Andaya and Alina Bicar.
Andaya, who had played the previous games as a setter slammed a kill to tie the match at 16-all.
It took four deadlocks and a see-saw match before Akari gained the match-point advantage, but it all changed when Lorraine Pecaña committed a service error, 20-19.
Eli Soyud was so calm in the service line and orchestrated a service ace, 21-19.
Ivy Lacsina finished with 30 points on 28 attacks, a block, and an ace, while Soyud finished with 18 points.
Akari limited Sisi Rondina to just 13 points, as Eya Laure and Kat Tolentino chipped in 20 and 19 points, respectively.
