The PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals lived up to every expectation of a do-or-die showdown on Monday, November 24, at the Araneta Coliseum. Amid upsets and high drama, the story that rose above all was the composure and experience of Akari, an eighth seed that refused to play like an underdog.

The Chargers toppled top-seeded Farm Fresh Foxies in straight sets, 28-26, 30-28, 25-21, to advance to the semifinals of the import-laced conference. Farm Fresh coach Alessandro Lodi was left scratching his head as Tina Salak’s well-drilled squad executed a calm, methodical, and battle-tested plan that left the Foxies scrambling.

Experience prevails in high-pressure moments

Annie Mitchem emerged as the star for Akari, firing 25 points on relentless attacks and 14 excellent receptions. Her final kill in the match left Ces Molina lunging in vain, highlighting the dominance of the Chargers at critical moments.

Supporting Mitchem, Eli Soyud and Grethcel Soltones contributed 10 points each, while Fifi Sharma and Ced Domingo added nine and seven markers, respectively. Setter Mars Alba directed Akari’s offense with 19 excellent sets, ensuring that quick and unpredictable attacks kept Farm Fresh off balance.

Justine Jazareno anchored the defense with 21 excellent digs, earning Best Player of the Game honors. “We just played the system that we have been training,” she said, emphasizing the trust and cohesion among teammates. The Chargers’ poise was evident throughout, out-hitting Farm Fresh 56-48, out-blocking them 7-2, and minimizing the impact of 23 unforced errors.

Farm Fresh struggles under pressure

Farm Fresh struggled to maintain its usual fluidity, with Eli Rousseaux’s 25 points the only major highlight. The young Foxies faltered in tight situations, miscommunicating in rallies and hesitating in crucial moments. Their inexperience contrasted sharply with Akari’s veteran core, which includes Soltones, Domingo, Soyud, Sharma, Jazareno, and Alba, all seasoned in big-game scenarios.

The first and second sets stretched into nerve-wracking finishes, but Akari’s experience proved decisive. Even when Farm Fresh threatened in the third set, the Chargers responded with a three-point burst sparked by Mitchem and Domingo, securing a critical edge. Alba’s brief service error was quickly nullified by Mitchem’s final slam that sealed the match. Akari now awaits the winner of Creamline-Petro Gazz for a semifinal clash on Thursday.