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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Volleyball devider Chargers turn back Cool Smashers, boost qualifying round bid

Chargers turn back Cool Smashers, boost qualifying round bid

Published Mar 12, 2026 07:01 pm

At A Glance

  • The Chargers improved to a 4-3 record, propelling from No. 7 to solo fourth while halting the Cool Smashers' five-game winning streak.
Ivy Lacsina leads Akari with 20 points. (PVL Images)
Ivy Lacsina leads Akari with 20 points. (PVL Images)
Akari bolstered its bid for one of the four qualifying round slots with a 25-21, 26-24, 17-25, 25-21 victory over Creamline in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil Centre in San Juan City on Thursday, March 12.
The Chargers improved to a 4-3 record, propelling from No. 7 to solo fourth while halting the Cool Smashers’ five-game winning streak.
Creamline fell to 5-2 to tie with Cignal at second to third places despite the solid efforts from Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos, who finished with 16 and 10 points, respectively.
Ivy Lacsina carried the cudgels for Akari by pumping in 20 points built on 18 kills, while Eli Soyud also starred for the crew with 15 points.
Grethcel Soltones also flashed her vintage form with 14 points including two aces.
Team captain and libero Justine Jazareno, who had 22 excellent digs, said communication played a key role in their win.
“Nag-work yung communication namin pagdating sa blocks and defense, pati yung service namin. I think yung connection ng settles and middles and spikers din nag-click,” she said.
The Chargers, indeed, dropped six aces throughout the match, and turned to their offensive brilliance by firing 60 kills -- 32 coming from Lacsina and Soyud.
Akari was also able to limit some of Creamline’s top scorers including Bernadeth Pons, who was held to eight points.
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