Akari completes come-from-behind win vs PLDT, snares PVL Reinforced bronze

Akari frustrated PLDT in a pulsating five-setter, 15-25, 25-23, 21-25, 26-24, 20-18, to steal the bronze in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference on Sunday, November 30, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

 This marks back-to-back podium finishes for the Chargers in the import-laced conference, after their silver medal finish last year.

Down 1-2 sets and trailing 4-15 in the fourth, Grethcel Soltones and import Annie Mitchem willed Akari to force a winner-take-all frame.

 With momentum on its side, the Chargers went toe-to-toe with the High Speed Hitters, even extending the fifth.

 After the two teams battled through eight deadlocks, the last at 18-all, Ced Domingo pushed Akari to match point once more after a huge service ace. 

 In the following play, Eli Soyud came up with the winner after her smart push from a broken play clipped the net, which PLDT failed to save.

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 Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.

 Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.