Photo from: PVL
DASMARIÑAS, CAVITE — The Akari Chargers could not have asked for a more powerful start to its Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference campaign, finally breaking through against the reigning champions Creamline Cool Smashers in a nerve-wracking 23-25, 25-23, 30-28, 23-25, 15-12 victory on Saturday night at the Dasmariñas Arena.
The win marked Akari’s first-ever triumph over the Cool Smashers in 10 head-to-head meetings, and it came at the perfect time. Their opening-day loss to ZUS Coffee was voided, giving the Chargers a rare second chance to start the tournament right, and they made it count in the biggest way.
American import Annie Mitchem proved to be the difference-maker in her highly anticipated PVL debut. After sitting out Akari’s unofficial opener due to ITC delays, the 6-foot-2 outside hitter erupted for 33 points and 14 excellent receptions to lift her team over the defending champions in a match that lasted three hours and 16 minutes.
Akari’s supporting cast delivered in full. Eli Soyud added 14 points, while middle blockers Fifi Sharma and Ced Domingo chipped in 13 and 12, respectively. Mars Alba orchestrated the offense with 21 excellent sets, while Justine Jazareno anchored the floor defense with 15 excellent receptions.
The Chargers grabbed control of the match by outlasting Creamline in a pressure-packed third set that extended to 30-28. That pivotal frame gave Akari momentum heading into the fourth, but Creamline showed their pedigree and experience by forcing a fifth set behind the efforts of Tots Carlos, Michele Gumabao, and Jeanette Panaga.
In the deciding set, Creamline took a 9-7 lead and looked poised to close out the win. But Akari responded with poise and aggression. Mitchem, Sharma, and a crucial net error by Gumabao helped Akari take the lead at 11-9. Creamline continued to fight, narrowing the gap to just one, but back-to-back errors from Alyssa Valdez and Carlos pushed Akari to match point.
A brief hiccup delayed the celebration, but Mitchem delivered the final blow with an off-the-block kill that sealed the historic win for the Chargers.
Akari will look to build on this momentum as it faces Chery Tiggo next, aiming to prove that its upset win over the six-time PVL champions was no fluke.
