Akari overcame a second-set challenge from Galeries Tower as it hacked out a 25-14, 25-21, 25-19 victory to enhance its waning semifinal bid in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday, Nov. 23.

Hard-hitting Fifi Sharma blasted 10 kills and made two blocks to finish with 12 points for the Chargers, who pulled away from a slim 19-18 edge in the second frame before prevailing the set and eventually the match.

It was the second straight win from Akari, which improved its win-loss tally to 5-4 to tie with Petro Gazz at fifth place.

The Angels also drew strength from Faith Nisperos, who also fired 12 points highlighted by 10 attacks.

Akari waxed hot in the opening frame with its sharp kills and solid serves as Galeries Tower stumbled into a maze of errors, giving away seven points on that set alone.

The Highrisers posted a challenge in the second set behind the efforts of Ysay Jimenez and Andrea Marzan, but they couldn’t sustain their charge as the Chargers went on to dictate the pace until the third frame.

Erika Raagas and Sharma also took charge of Akari’s defense, teaming up for five of the team’s 10 blocks, while Trisha Genesis and Dindin Manabat unloaded a combined four aces out of the team’s 10.

Galeries Tower, which were already out of contention, still couldn’t find ways to end its losing skid as it absorbed its eighth straight defeat to tie with Gerflor at the bottom standings.

Jimenez and Marzan finished with 11 points apiece for the Highrisers, but their efforts went futile.