The Akari Chargers leaned on their bench and growing team chemistry to secure a third straight win after defeating the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Akari is all charged up.
The Chargers have found their identity after extending their winning streak to three games with a 17-25, 25-22, 25-20, 25-17 victory over the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday, March 7, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
After dropping the opening set, the Chargers regrouped behind a collective effort to take control of the next three frames and secure another statement win.
For head coach Tina Salak, the victory was a rewarding sign that the team’s hard work in training is beginning to translate on the court.
"Siyempre, masaya. Lahat naman ng effort nakikita natin going to this game, especially dun 'yun [nga] third-game winning streak," Salak said during the post-game press conference.
"Mas masaya kasi nagkakaroon na kami 'yung tamang timpla. Isa din 'yung bench namin, nagkakaroon na rin ng identity kasi 'yun ang pinaka-main factor ng ginagawa namin sa training."
A big part of that identity, according to Salak, has been the Chargers’ willingness to trust their reserve unit.
The bench delivered in the win, with Chenie Tagaod contributing 12 points, while Jyne Soreno and Grethcel Soltones provided key offensive stretches that helped Akari turn the tide after the first set.
Team captain Justine Jazareno was hailed the Player of the Game with 17 excellent digs and three excellent receptions.
"In training, binabalik namin lagi na kailangan namin ‘yung bench sa game. And then, kailangan natin itiwala kasi pag sa training lang natin ginagawa, hindi rin nila makikita yung support,” Salak explained.
"'Yung support system coming from the coaches kung hindi namin sila bibigay ng playing time. So, 'yun, a good thing lahat na show up doon sa bench namin, especially nung times na kulang kami sa middle."
Salak added that the growing trust between the coaching staff and the players has played a crucial role in Akari's turnaround after a slow 0-3 start.
[ALSO READ: Domingo, Lacsina shrug off pressure after 0-3 start as Akari gets first PVL win]
"Una kasi, disconnected, especially pag nakikita natin na pumapangit laro. Lahat 'yun, nagkakaroon na ng emotional stress," she said.
"But this time, nakuha na natin. Nakuha na. So, happy na lang. And tuloy lang. Wala namang, hindi naman matatapos sa isang game lang."
With the win, the Chargers improved to 3-3 and kept themselves in the hunt for a top-4 spot, while the Solar Spikers slipped to 3-4.
Bella Belen paced Capital1 with 24 points and 13 excellent digs.
Akari will look to extend its streak to four when it faces the surging Creamline Cool Smashers on Thursday, March 12, while Capital1 returns to action on Saturday, March 14, against the Cignal Super Spikers.
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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.