Akari survives F2 in five-set thriller as Chery Tiggo, Petro Gazz barge in win column

Akari Chargers nearly squandered a 2-1 set lead but recovered in time to outclass F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in a thrilling 21-25, 25-20, 27-25, 19-25, 15-8 five-setter clash in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Second All-Filipino Conference.

Dindin Santiago-Manabat led the five double-digit scorers for Akari with 19 points on 18 attacks, as Faith Nisperos added 18 markers on Tuesday, October 17, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

"It's always hard to play F2. They always play hard, they know each other, but these guys [in Akari] gave their all," Chargers head coach Jorge Souza de Brito said in the press conference.

"Of course, there's a lot to improve, but we are on the way. One day, they have to show up again." the Brazilian mentor added.

Ezra Madrigal had seven of Akari's 15 blocks to finish with 14 points, while Trisha Genesis, named Best Player of the Game, delivered 13 markers, 15 digs, and nine receptions. Newest addition Fifi Sharma had a dream debut after posting five rejections for a 13-point output.

De Brito's side raced to a 5-1 start in the deciding fifth set before F2 cut the deficit to one, 6-5.

Unfortunately, the Cargo Movers sabotaged themselves by committing crucial errors that gave the Chargers a 9-5 cushion.

Akari put the finishing touches from there, with Sharma roofing Myla Pablo's attack before firing the match-clinching service ace.

Playing in the absence of opposite spiker Kim Dy and libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig due to injuries, F2 failed to complete the come-from-behind win despite the career-high 26 points of Ivy Lacsina. The National University standout registered 22 hits, three blocks, and an ace.

Pablo listed 12 markers and 16 excellent digs in a losing effort for the Regine Diego-mentored squad.
In other matches on the same day and venue, Chery Tiggo Crossovers blanked Farm Fresh Foxies, 25-21, 25-23, 25-22, spearheaded by sisters Eya and EJ Laure with 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Petro Gazz Angels also swept new PVL squad Galeries Highrisers, 25-11, 26-24, 25-22, thanks to Grethcel Soltones, who struck 19 points from 17 kills, a block, and an ace.