Akari fought back a gritty F2 Logistics side with a hard-earned 21-25, 25-20, 27-25, 19-25, 15-8 victory to make its title campaign felt in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Tuesday night, Oct. 17.
The Chargers banked on their strong serves and solid blocks particularly in the crucial fifth set to outhustle the Cargo Movers after two hours and 33 minutes.
Dindin Manabat pumped in 19 points while Faith Nisperos added 18 points for Akari, but it was CJ Soyud’s block on Myla Pablo and Mereophe Sharma’s ace that sealed the win for the crew.
After a critical fourth-set defeat, the Chargers immediately picked up their rhythm and directed the tempo in the deciding fifth frame, leading by as many as 13-6.
F2 Logistics tried to breathe life with back-to-back points, but Soyud and Sharma came into the rescue to end the match in Akari’s favor.
While Manabat and Nisperos took charge of the Chargers’ offense, it was Princess Madrigal and Sharma who provided rock-solid net defense by finishing with seven and five blocks.
Ivy Lacsina erupted for 26 points for F2 Logistics in a losing cause.