Akari delivered one of the most memorable results of the PVL All-Filipino Conference after taking down powerhouse Creamline in four hard-earned sets, 25-21, 28-26, 17-25, 25-21, on Thursday, March 12. The Chargers showed composure under pressure and held firm in the closing stretch to secure a victory few outside their camp believed possible.

The win allowed Akari to keep its momentum intact while dealing a major blow to Creamline’s surge in the tournament. It also strengthened the Chargers’ campaign for a spot in the Qualifying Round as they continued their steady climb in the standings.

Facing one of the league’s most decorated teams, Akari relied on poise and timely execution to prevail in a match that featured momentum swings and tense rallies. The Chargers repeatedly responded to Creamline’s runs and ultimately controlled the crucial moments late in the contest.

Ivy Lacsina provided steady firepower while Eli Soyud caught rhythm late, but it was libero Justine Jazareno who anchored Akari’s resistance. Her relentless floor defense frustrated Creamline’s hitters and kept several key rallies alive.

Jazareno anchors Akari’s defense

Jazareno repeatedly dove for balls that appeared certain to land, extending rallies and allowing the Chargers to convert defensive stops into scoring opportunities. Her anticipation and quick reactions proved crucial whenever Creamline tried to mount pressure.

The Alas Pilipinas standout finished with 22 excellent digs at 59 percent efficiency, highlighting the consistency of her defensive effort. Despite the impressive showing, Jazareno credited preparation and teamwork rather than individual skill.

“Tina-trabaho ‘yun,” she said when asked about her ability to keep powerful attacks in play. She added that Akari’s defensive success comes from constant communication and coordination during matches.

“It’s our communication. It’s all about our blocking, defense and service which we polish during training,” she explained. Jazareno also delivered a highlight moment with a spectacular left-hand dig that allowed Grethcel Soltones to score on a two-handed dump, pushing Akari’s lead to 20-11 in the fourth set.

Chargers close out crucial victory

Creamline refused to fade quietly and sparked a late rally behind Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza. The Cool Smashers trimmed the deficit to 21-24, threatening to force a deciding fifth set.

Akari, however, stayed composed during the decisive exchange and quickly shut down the comeback bid. With Lacsina and Soyud slowed down by Creamline’s net defense, setter Mars Alba made a crucial adjustment.

Alba went to Chenie Tagaod, who unleashed a powerful finishing attack that ended the two-hour, five-minute battle. The final blow sealed a statement victory for the Chargers.

The triumph extended Akari’s winning streak to four games after the team began the conference with three straight losses. Even more significant was the opponent they defeated in the process.

The Chargers halted Creamline’s five-game run just as the Cool Smashers appeared to be regaining dominant form in the season-ending conference. Creamline had recovered from an opening defeat to PLDT by stringing together five consecutive wins before facing Akari.

The victory lifted Akari to solo fourth place in the standings with a 4-3 record, marking a major turnaround from its earlier struggles near the bottom of the leaderboard.

It also represented only the second time the Chargers have defeated Creamline in league play. Their first win came in last year’s Reinforced Conference when Akari escaped with a dramatic five-set triumph that snapped a nine-game losing streak against the Cool Smashers.

Lacsina powered the Chargers with 20 points, while Soyud added 15 including four consecutive hits that helped Akari surge to a 7-3 lead early in the fourth set. Soltones also delivered 14 points, providing stability during crucial stretches.

Akari’s middle blockers made key contributions as well, with Fifi Sharma and Ced Domingo finishing with seven points each while helping limit Creamline’s presence in the middle.

Galanza paced the Cool Smashers with 16 points, sparking their late push in the fourth set. Carlos contributed 10 points and Pangs Panaga added nine while Bernadette Pons was held to eight as she struggled against Akari’s defense.

Alyssa Valdez finished with six points in limited action, while Michele Gumabao and Bea de Leon chipped in five points each.