Akari Roars Back to Life, Crushes Nxled to Stay in Thick of QF Chase

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by Cristian Andal

The Akari Chargers celebrate during their game against the Nxled Chameleons.
The Akari Chargers celebrate during their game against the Nxled Chameleons. Photo: PVL Images.

Akari breathed new life into its quarterfinal campaign, unleashing one of its sharpest outings of the season with a commanding sweep of sister team Nxled, 25–13, 25–17, 25–22, Thursday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Coming off a tough loss to a streaking Cignal squad, the Chargers wasted no time resetting their identity. They came out firing, tightening the screws on serve receive and dictating the pace through crisp ball movement and steady floor defense, the same qualities that turned the one-hour, 15-minute affair into a wire-to-wire showcase.

The victory not only steadied Akari after an up-and-down run but also pushed them back into prime position in the increasingly chaotic quarterfinal race. At 4–3, they moved level with Cignal but edged ahead in the standings with 12 points.

Running the show with her trademark calm and precision, Mars Alba once again proved why she’s one of the most dependable young setters in the league. Her 21 excellent sets kept every attacking option in rhythm, and she still found ways to chip in three points of her own.

Akari's Mars Alba (19) sets the ball.
Akari's Mars Alba (19) sets the ball. Photo: PVL Images.

But Alba, as always, steered the spotlight away from herself. “Maganda nilaro ng lahat, kaya gumaan trabaho ko,” she said, pointing to the team’s collective focus. “Sa setting, reflexes na lang. Automatic na ‘yun.”

Her reliable command allowed Akari’s offense to pounce. Import Annie Mitchem led the scoring parade with 20 points, while Grethcel Soltones added 12 in a steady all-around effort. Ced Domingo, Eli Soyud, and Camille Victoria each delivered timely hits to complete the Chargers’ balanced attack.

The numbers painted an even clearer picture: Akari dominated the attacking department, 48–26, controlled the net with a 3–0 blocking edge, and fired eight service aces. Nxled’s 21 unforced errors only made the uphill climb steeper.

On the other side of the net, Nxled simply couldn’t find a consistent rhythm. Paola Martinez and Chiara Permentilla both scored 10, but the support dried up quickly as the rest of the Chameleons failed to produce more than two points each.

Nxled's Chiara Permentilla (9).
Nxled's Chiara Permentilla (9). Photo: PVL Images.

Nxled did attempt a late charge in the third set, closing the gap to 18–20 behind Permentilla’s grit and a service ace from Jaja Maraguinot. But with the Chargers regaining composure and refusing to give free points, the Chameleons’ surge fizzled just as fast.

With seven teams still jostling for the final five QF slots, and only a handful of playdates left, every win matters. Akari’s next assignment? A dangerous Choco Mucho squad fighting to stay alive.

If the Chargers bring this same discipline and urgency, their playoff path may soon become much clearer.