Akari charges into PVL quarterfinals with sweep of short-handed Petro Gazz

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Akari shifted into top gear after surviving a nail-biting first set, eventually dismantling a short-handed Petro Gazz side, 32-30, 25-22, 25-19, to punch its ticket to the PVL On Tour 2025 quarterfinals Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

The victory marked a major breakthrough for a Chargers squad that is finally gaining traction under head coach Tina Salak, building a brand of volleyball centered on resilience, chemistry, and system execution.

Ivy Lacsina delivers in the clutch! 16 points and the game-sealing blows to carry Akari forward. [PVL Images]

Lacsina leads the charge as Akari finds its rhythm

Ivy Lacsina delivered a stellar performance with 16 points, three blocks, and six excellent receptions, earning Best Player of the Game honors. Her back-to-back clutch hits closed out the grueling first set, where Akari blew six set points before regrouping.

“Sobrang saya namin kasi pinaghirapan talaga namin ito,” said Lacsina. “Little by little, lumalabas na sa laro namin ‘yung gustong sistema ni coach T.”

The Chargers overpowered the Angels in attacks, 53-35, and edged them in blocks, 9-6. Despite 27 unforced errors, Akari made crucial plays during momentum swings. Eli Soyud added 15 points and six digs, while Gretchel Soltones had 13 markers and six digs of her own.

Rookie setter Bea Bonafe impressed with 14 excellent sets, outdueling veteran Chie Saet (9 sets). Her poise, especially in the tense first-set finish, drew praise from Salak, a former national team setter.

“Through Petro Gazz, nakita natin ang potential ni Bea,” Salak noted.

Team depth, execution fuel Akari’s dominance

Missing Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips, and with Jonah Sabete playing limited minutes, Petro Gazz leaned heavily on Myla Pablo (15 points) and Nicole Tiamzon (12 points), but struggled to match Akari’s depth and tempo.

Akari’s bench also stepped up: Ezra Madrigal and Ced Domingo combined for 16 points to assert middle control, while Chenie Tagaod delivered three straight aces in Set 3 to pull away late, finishing with five total points.

The Chargers now brace for a high-stakes quarterfinal clash against Cignal on Thursday — a sudden-death test that will determine their place among the league’s top contenders.

“Masarap lang sa pakiramdam ang manalo,” said Salak. “Nag-expect kami pero hindi sweep.”