Ced Domingo took center stage in Set 5, powering Akari to a thrilling 25-11, 22-25, 29-27, 17-25, 15-7 win over Chery Tiggo in the PVL Reinforced Conference at the Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday, October 14.

Domingo scored three crucial points during a fiery stretch that gave Akari a 9-4 cushion in the decider. Her quick hit, smart push, and towering block on Cess Robles shifted the momentum for good. From there, the Chargers stayed in control with steady sideouts and disciplined defense.

The match ended on a Robles attack error that symbolized Chery Tiggo’s unraveling in crunch time. Domingo’s poise under pressure anchored Akari’s late push, reaffirming her role as one of the team’s most reliable clutch performers.

Akari’s fifth-set grit echoed its comeback against Creamline the previous weekend, where it also overcame a shaky fourth set to prevail in the decider.

Jazareno and Alba power the supporting cast

Justine Jazareno once again proved to be Akari’s defensive anchor. After tallying 15 digs against Creamline, she came up bigger with 27 digs against Chery Tiggo. Two early saves in the fifth set led to a Grethcel Soltones kill that tied the score at 2 and set the tone for the Chargers’ defensive stand.

“Sabi ko lang sa teammates ko na we have to work together,” Jazareno said. “May mga times kasi na hirap kami mag-connect.” She credited head coach Tina Salak’s system for keeping the team composed during momentum swings.

Setter Mars Alba directed the attack with 21 excellent sets. Eli Soyud and import Annie Mitchem each tallied 17 points, while Domingo added 16 points with five blocks. Fifi Sharma chipped in 10 markers, and Soltones added eight clutch points in the decider.

Chery Tiggo dropped to 0-2 despite a strong fourth-set push. The Crossovers struggled in key departments, losing the attacking battle 53-59 and giving up 12 aces compared to their three. Robles led the way with 20 points, while Yani Batista finished with 17.

Akari head coach Tina Salak praised her team’s composure in another tight finish. “Actually, that’s really what we’ve been training for – always going the distance in five sets,” she said with a laugh. “Our past experiences against Creamline and Chery Tiggo really brought out the team’s character and growth.”

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She highlighted the players’ development, saying, “Many of our players are really maturing. They’re stepping up, taking on bigger roles and responsibilities. So it’s a good thing – aside from pulling off victories in five-setters, there’s also individual growth happening within the team.”

Akari aims for its third straight win against Petro Gazz on October 23 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. Chery Tiggo looks to bounce back against the same opponent this Saturday in Ilagan City.