For two teams that endured grueling five-set battles in the quarterfinals, another extended duel was almost inevitable. In a Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference semifinal showdown filled with drama, momentum swings, and a jaw-dropping conclusion, the Akari Chargers emerged victorious over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 21-25, 16-14, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Trailing 8-12 in the final set, Akari pulled off a stunning 8-2 run, silencing the pro-Choco Mucho crowd and securing a crucial head start in the semis.

A Dramatic Turnaround

Choco Mucho looked poised to close out the match, especially after Sisi Rondina’s clutch spike put them ahead 14-11. However, the game took an unexpected turn as Regine Arocha’s service error gave Akari a lifeline.

From there, Faith Nisperos landed a crosscourt shot, Michelle Cobb foiled a Rondina attack, and the Chargers leveled the score at 14-all.

With momentum fully shifting, Rondina attempted to regain control but fired long, handing Akari its first match point. In a thrilling final rally, Nisperos sealed the victory with another well-placed crosscourt strike, completing one of the most thrilling comebacks in PVL history.

“Kumapit lang kami sa bawa’t isa. Walang bibitaw kasi atin ‘to!” – Eli Soyud, Akari Chargers

Soyud’s Career Night, Cobb’s Playmaking Shine

Soyud delivered a career-high 34 points, including seven kill blocks, embodying Akari’s resilience. Cobb orchestrated the offense masterfully, dishing out 24 excellent sets while contributing two blocks.

Other key contributors:

• Ced Domingo: 14 points, including three blocks

• Faith Nisperos: 11 points, match-clinching crosscourt hit

• Grethcel Soltones & Camille Victoria: 5 points each

• Ivy Lacsina: 8 points in a quiet outing

Heartbreak for Choco Mucho

Despite Rondina’s 29-point explosion, Choco Mucho let victory slip away after leading by three in the final moments. Royse Tubino (14 points), Isa Molde (11), and Lorraine Pecana (7) provided support, but the Flying Titans struggled in key moments, particularly at the net.

Akari dominated the final set’s blocking battle (6-1 in kill blocks), a key factor in their comeback.

World-Class Officiating for PVL Semis

To ensure top-tier officiating, the PVL enlisted Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) referees for the semis and finals.

• Hong Kong’s Adams Wong and Thailand’s Sari Hmogmungmuang will serve as lead referees.

• Local officials Joy de Imus and Jocelyn del Rosario will assist.

PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo emphasized that the move guarantees fair, unbiased officiating, with Wong officiating Choco Mucho vs. Akari, and Hmogmungmuang overseeing Creamline vs. Petro Gazz.

“These neutral referees have no team affiliations. This move reinforces fairness and our commitment to excellence.” – Sherwin Malonzo, PVL Commissioner

With a 1-0 series lead, Akari now stands just one win away from a finals berth, while Choco Mucho must regroup fast to keep their title hopes alive.