Akari Chargers finally notched its first victory of the season, defeating Nxled Chameleons, 25-18, 25-23, 23-25, 25-22, in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference preliminaries at the FilOil Centre in San Juan on Tuesday, February 24.
The Chargers asserted control early with Ivy Lacsina’s wing attacks to create an 11-5 lead after mixing off-the-block and sharp line hits that Nxled struggled to read.
Just when the Chameleons trimmed the gap to 16-18, Akari responded with a 7-2 rally anchored by Ced Domingo’s quick attacks and Grethcel Soltones’ defensive digs to seal a 25-18 opener.
Set two remained competitive as both teams traded points, yet the Chargers pulled away with a 25-23 edge through Mars Alba’s precise plays, while Domingo and Fifi Sharma delivered timely middle hits to maintain control at key junctures.
Nxled struck back in the third set with a19-17 score that expanded into 23-22 thanks to Jonah Sabete-Escamillan’s back-to-back hits and Djanel Cheng’s ace after a net-challenge review.
Despite Domingo’s quick strikes that kept Akari alive, a critical service error by Kamille Cal handed the Chameleons the set three at 25-23, their only triumph of the night.
Akari then bounced back with renewed urgency as Lacsina’s attacks opened an 11-5 buffer, forcing Nxled into chase mode while the Chargers sustained their first-ball control in the fourth fray.
A signature swift attack of Domingo put the match away, partnered with Alba’s steady sets that kept Nxled off-balance to secure their first PVL win.
Akari balanced its attacks with four players in double figures: Lacsina 20, Domingo 17, Eli Soyud 13, and Soltones 12, while Alba orchestrated 22 excellent sets and added 5 points on her own, earning the Best Player of the Game.
“Marami kaming adjustments na ginawa regarding sa game… Hopefully, diba yung chemistry namin today, ma-carry over namin sa mga next games,” said Akari head coach Tina Salak.
Meanwhile, Nxled’s top scorers were Brooke Van Sickle with 16, Myla Pablo with 14, and MJ Philips with 12, but they couldn’t keep up with Akari’s balanced offensives.
Akari will face Cignal on Saturday, February 28, on 4:00 p.m at the same venue.
Written by Althea Faith Del Rosario, Insight PH
Althea Faith Del Rosario, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
