Mars Alba’s block seals Akari win over Choco Mucho

PASIG CITY – Mars Alba delivered a decisive block in the final moments as the Akari Chargers survived a furious Choco Mucho comeback to secure a thrilling 25-19, 22-25, 25-21, 19-25, 16-14 victory in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series at the Philsports Arena on Saturday, Nov. 7.

With both teams fighting to stay in contention for a Final Four berth, the closely contested encounter ultimately came down to composure, execution and a dramatic exchange of blocks in the deciding set.

The Chargers held their ground when it mattered most, overcoming Choco Mucho’s late rally before Eli Soyud delivered the go-ahead point with an off-the-block attack on her second attempt.

Alba then produced the biggest defensive play of the match, rejecting Sisi Rondina-Rosales’ attempt with a right-handed block that sent the ball into an unguarded Zone 1.

The decisive rejection sparked a wild celebration from Akari, sealing a hard-fought victory after two hours and 19 minutes.

The Chargers had nearly squandered a commanding 14-11 lead following a powerful attack by Ivy Lacsina.

Refusing to surrender their semifinal aspirations, the Flying Titans mounted one final comeback, with Kat Tolentino delivering two crucial attacks before Choco Mucho saved three consecutive match points.

A second-attempt attack error by Lacsina helped Choco Mucho complete a 3-0 run and tie the deciding set at 14-all.

The rally energized the Choco Mucho supporters and threatened to turn the match in the Flying Titans’ favor.

But Akari regained its composure as Soyud scored off the block to restore the Chargers’ advantage at 15-14.

Alba then rose to challenge Rondina-Rosales in a one-on-one confrontation at the net, timing her block perfectly to seal the victory.

The fifth set featured intense defensive exchanges, with both teams combining for nine blocks in the decider alone.

It was the ninth match in the Siklab Series to go the distance, with the deciding set featuring four deadlocks.

Soyud opened the fifth set by blocking Eya Laure, who immediately answered with a block against Soyud on the following play.

Akari eventually established a 5-2 advantage following a service ace by Ced Domingo and relied on Lacsina’s powerful attacks to maintain control.

Lacsina’s attack put the Chargers within a point of victory at 14-11 before Choco Mucho staged its dramatic comeback.

The victory improved Akari’s record to 3-3, tying the Chargers with the Flying Titans for sixth place and keeping both teams in contention for the semifinals.

Akari faces unbeaten Nxled on Thursday, Nov. 12, before closing its elimination-round campaign against winless ZUS Coffee on Nov. 17.

For Choco Mucho, the defeat marked another painful setback following its four-set loss to Nxled last Tuesday.

The Flying Titans, also carrying a 3-3 record, must regroup for their crucial encounter with the Creamline Cool Smashers on Thursday before facing PLDT on Nov. 19.

Soyud spearheaded Akari’s attack with 17 points, leading the Chargers’ recovery from a heartbreaking five-set defeat to the previously winless Galeries Tower Highrisers last Tuesday.

“Nag-set ako ng example sa teammates ko para from there makita nila na gustong-gusto talagang naming manalo,” Soyud said.

Her leadership and timely scoring proved crucial in a match that tested the Chargers’ resilience against a determined Choco Mucho squad.

Lacsina matched Soyud’s 17-point performance, while Fifi Sharma contributed eight points and Domingo added seven.

Grethcel Soltones and Faith Nisperos chipped in six points apiece as the Chargers narrowly edged the Flying Titans in attacks, 61-60.

Lacsina also completed a triple-double with 14 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs, while Alba contributed 19 excellent sets and three points.

Akari held the advantage at the net, registering 13 blocks against Choco Mucho’s eight.

The Chargers overcame 32 points surrendered through errors while benefiting from 29 points off the Flying Titans’ miscues.

Laure led Choco Mucho with 16 points, followed by Tolentino with 15.

Rondina-Rosales, Maddie Madayag and Jewel Encarnacion finished with eight points apiece.

Despite nearly surrendering the match in the final set, Akari found a way to withstand the pressure and deliver the decisive plays when its semifinal hopes were on the line.

Alba’s match-winning block ultimately made the difference, denying Rondina-Rosales and keeping the Chargers firmly in the race for a Final Four berth.