Jazareno Leads Akari’s Stunning Comeback vs Choco Mucho

Justine Jazareno anchored a dramatic Akari Chargers comeback Tuesday night, lifting her team from the brink of defeat to a thrilling five-set victory over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in Game 1 of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference bronze medal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After dropping the first two sets, Akari surged back with a 24-26, 21-25, 25-15, 25-18, 15-11 win, powered by relentless defense and a collective will to survive.

At the center of the rally was Jazareno, who delivered 29 excellent digs — many off the explosive attacks of Sisi Rondina — with a remarkable 60 percent efficiency.

“Sinabi lang namin sa isa’t isa na kapitan natin ‘yung Set 3. Magte-turnaround ‘to pag nakuha natin ‘yun,” said Jazareno, who earned Player of the Game honors after her masterclass in floor defense.

That third set was a turning point, with the Chargers storming to a 10-point blowout and reversing the match’s momentum before a roaring Tuesday crowd.

Energized by Jazareno’s defensive grit, Akari rode its rhythm into the fourth set and refused to wilt in a tense fifth frame, despite three deadlocks.

At 14-11, it was Grethcel Soltones who calmly dropped the winning shot, but it was Jazareno’s timely saves that made the rally possible.

“She played for her team, her family, and her baby, Austin,” said Akari head coach Jorge Souza de Brito, praising the libero’s leadership and poise.

Eli Soyud topped Akari with 24 points, while MJ Phillips Lacsina added 20 and Soltones chipped in 15 markers.

Akari also outgunned Choco Mucho in attacks, 60-45, and served eight aces, though the Flying Titans led in blocks, 15-9.

Choco Mucho’s Rondina tallied 18 points, while Royse Tubino finished with a team-high 19 and Isa Molde added 10.

Jazareno, one of the most coveted liberos on the Alas Pilipinas national team radar, underscored her value on the court with her signature calm under fire and tireless hustle.

“We needed this win to prove ourselves to those who believe in us,” she said, reflecting on the Chargers’ climb back from a 0-2 hole.

Akari now stands one win away from securing the bronze medal, with Game 2 set for Thursday at 4 p.m. at the same venue.

If defense does win championships, Jazareno may have just handed her team the blueprint.