MANILA, Philippines — Mars Alba sealed the victory for the Akari Chargers by rejecting Sisi Rondina’s attack, ending a grueling five-set battle, 25-19, 22-25, 25-21, 19-25, 16-14, in the 2026-27 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference-Siklab Series on Saturday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Chargers held a 14-11 cushion in the deciding set before the Flying Titans stormed back with a 3-0 run, sparked by Eya Laure and Kat Tolentino, to force a 14-all deadlock.
Eli Soyud answered immediately with an off-the-block kill that put Akari on match point at 15-14.
Rondina loaded up for the equalizer, but Alba was there to block her attempt, allowing Akari to clinch a 16-14 win.
Alba then pointed upwards and made a turn around after blocking Rondina.
The Akari playmaker finished with 19 excellent sets, along with three points.
“I think it’s normal to have high emotions, knowing what kind of player I am, and that’s how I play; there’s always swag. I wasn’t thinking about anything during that block; I just told myself that we should finish the game,” Alba, who played three conferences for Choco Mucho, told the media after the game.
Ivy Lacsina made a triple-double performance for Akari with 17 points, along with 11 excellent digs, and 14 excellent receptions, as Soyud also chipped in 17.
Choco Mucho relied on Laure’s 16-point outing, while Kat Tolentino added 15.
Akari and Choco Mucho are both tied with a 3-3 win-loss record.
