Mars Alba orchestrated the offense for the Akari Chargers, who stunned the Creamline Cool Smashers and extended their winning streak to four games in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Mars Alba took pride in Akari’s continued surge after pulling off a statement victory over Creamline in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The Chargers stunned the Cool Smashers in four sets, 25-21, 26-24, 17-25, 25-21, on Thursday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan, extending their winning streak to four games.
After a rough 0-3 start, Akari engineered an impressive turnaround, climbing to fourth place with a 4-3 record while snapping Creamline's five-game run.
Alba orchestrated the offense with 18 excellent sets while adding 10 excellent digs, helping keep the Chargers organized against one of the league's most experienced squads.
"Very grateful ako sa lahat, sa coaches, sa teammates ko, sa management kasi wino-work on talaga lahat ng aspects na pwedeng gawin at ma-improve 'yung team," Alba said during the post-game press conference.
"Happy ako kasi gumalaw nang maayos 'yung team and nagsamasama kahit anong hirap 'yung nangyayari sa loob ng court."
The win was especially meaningful for Alba as it marked her second victory against Creamline, this time with veteran setter Jia De Guzman on the floor.
“Masaya, siyempre. Second time ko na kalaban yung Creamline. Second time na panalo,” she shared.
"'Yung isa sa Reinforced, tas isa ngayon pero 'yung last time wala siya. Ngayon nandito. Sobrang happy kasi siyempre ate Jia 'yun."
Mars Alba sets the ball during Akari's four-set win over Creamline in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Still, Alba acknowledged that facing a seasoned team like Creamline required constant reminders to stay locked in.
"Nire-remind lang din talaga 'yung isat-isa. Katulad kanina, parang nag-ano agad kami na matured talaga 'yung Creamline eh," she said.
"Kahit two sets up kami, hindi namin masasabi if makukuha na talaga namin 'yung next na set kaya nagre-remind lang yung isa't isa, mga coaches, mga players."
Ivy Lacsina led the Chargers with 20 points and 17 excellent receptions, while Eli Soyud and Grethcel Soltones chipped in 15 and 14 markers, respectively.
Team captain Justine Jazareno also had a stellar outing with 22 excellent digs.
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Akari will try to stretch its surge to five wins when it faces the Galeries Tower Highrisers on Tuesday, at the same venue.