Akari found its rhythm just when its campaign needed one, while PLDT’s Savi Davison went quiet. The Chargers swept the High Speed Hitters, 25-18, 25-19, 25-22, on Tuesday night, October 20, for their first win of the Siklab Series.

The victory at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City snapped a two-game skid for Akari in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL). The Chargers had lost to Creamline in straight sets and to Capital1 in five. Libero Justine Jazareno said, “We just enjoyed the game.”

Akari Finds Its Rhythm With Sharper Defense and Better Chemistry

Jazareno earned Best Player of the Game honors with 15 digs and 31 percent reception efficiency. She also pointed to the team’s chemistry and connection as key factors in the win, which took 1 hour, 28 minutes.

Eli Soyud led Akari with 12 points, and the Chargers held a 41-30 edge in attack points. Fifi Sharma added seven, while Jyne Soreño, Faith Nisperos and Ivy Lacsina had six apiece.

Akari also made the most of PLDT’s miscues, scoring 27 free points off errors despite committing 22 of its own. The teams matched each other with five blocks, a department PLDT has traditionally dominated.

Savi Davison’s Five-Point Night Leaves PLDT in a Tough Spot in the Siklab Series Race

Davison scored just five points, well below the 22 she posted when PLDT beat Akari in the PVL On Tour Showdown in August. Jessa Ordiales led PLDT with 10 points, while Kim Dy added seven and Mika Reyes four.

PLDT has now lost three straight in the single-round-robin series, and the margin for error is thin. Only the top four of nine teams reach the crossover semifinals, and the top two get twice-to-beat advantages.

The High Speed Hitters, who kept their roster largely intact, now sit in a tough spot alongside Galeries Tower. Akari, meanwhile, hopes to turn its improved communication and defense into lasting momentum.

The final set told the story. PLDT erased an eight-point deficit to get within 20-21, but Akari closed it out on a Davison attack error and Sharma’s running attack.