Akari Writes a Bronze Epic: Chargers Shock PLDT in a Five-Set War for the Ages

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by Raymund Tamayo

The Akari Chargers capture the bronze medal in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference
The Akari Chargers capture the bronze medal in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. Photo: PVL Images.

What unfolded at the Big Dome on Wednesday was a bronze medal match for the ages. A full-blown volleyball saga. 

In a game dripping with drama and desperation, Akari roared back from the edge of defeat to outlast PLDT, 15-25, 25-23, 21-25, 26-24, 20-18, in a breathtaking five-set marathon that felt more like a championship duel than a battle for third.

For two hours and change, the Chargers refused to break. And at the center of that refusal stood Annie Mitchem, who delivered one of the most dominant performances of the conference, a towering 36-point masterpiece. Time and again, she snatched momentum back from PLDT’s grasp, willing Akari to fight for every inch.

But the night’s defining blows came from Ced Domingo and Eli Soyud when it mattered most. After PLDT blew a golden chance with a costly service error from Jovie Prado in the decider, Domingo fired a nervy serve that forced a reception meltdown. Moments later, Soyud, who had struggled all match, leaned into a gutsy push that clipped the net and trickled onto PLDT’s floor. And just like that, Akari slammed the door.

Akari import Annie Mitchem in tears after the bronze medal win over PLDT
Akari import Annie Mitchem in tears after the bronze medal win over PLDT. Photo: PVL Images.

This comeback didn’t happen in a vacuum. Akari had been pummeled early, even falling behind 8–18 in Set 4. But Mitchem, Gretchel Soltones, and Fifi Sharma led a furious counterattack, storming back behind clutch blocks and fearless swings. Sharma’s back-to-back denials queued up the fifth set and the chaos that followed.

The decider was pure sporting madness: 12 ties, five lead changes, every rally a battle of nerve. PLDT’s Savi Davison (30 points) and Nastya Bavykina (27) kept the High Speed Hitters afloat, but the finishing touch never came.

Meanwhile, Akari’s role players shone when it counted. Soltones logged a triple-double line on points, digs, and receptions, Alba out-set Kim Fajardo, and Jazareno anchored the floor.

For coach Tina Salak, the win was nothing short of emotional redemption. “Holding on together, that’s what saved us,” she said.

Akari celebrated like they’d won it all. And honestly? After a match like that, who could blame them?